Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Let us be very clear. The Government agreed to appoint Judge McCartan to assess new and updated evidence uncovered by the Stardust Relatives and Victims Committee in order to recommend whether there should be a commission of investigation into the Stardust tragedy of 1981.

It will be done completely independently of Government. Obviously, the work that was done in the Dáil and the terms of reference will guide that work. With regard to the discussions with the committee, the most recent meeting was on 15 March. I have already told the Deputy what the Department indicated at that meeting about the possibility of engagement and provision of some payment based on the differential between the amount sought following the Coffey process and the amount paid. The committee decided at that time to leave that meeting. However, my Department is committed to continuing its engagement with the committee on its claim regarding the historical moneys owed.

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