Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would appreciate some flexibility. First, as a public representative in this area, I have worked for over 20 years with the Stardust Relatives and Victims Committee, and other families who suffered a tragic loss as a result of the horrific Stardust fire on 14 February 1981 to assist them in their efforts to find answers. This tragic fire caused the deaths of 48 young people and serious injury to another 128, who were mostly aged between 18 and 25 and came from the local area including Artane, Kilmore, Coolock and Edenmore. The Stardust fire was one of the greatest disasters in the history of this State and is seared into the collective memories of all the residents of the north side. It had, and continues to have, a devastating impact on survivors, friends and family members of those killed and injured. I acknowledge the hurt and unbearable loss that those families still feel.

The RTÉ programme earlier this week, "After the Headlines", reminded the country how much pain and suffering the families have been through. In negotiations over Government formation in 2016, my participation was contingent on the Stardust tragedy being included in A Programme for a Partnership Government and the following was included on page 107 of the final document: "Full regard will be had to any new evidence which emerges which would be likely to definitely establish the cause of the fire at Stardust."

As outlined by my colleague the Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, Judge Pat McCartan's report followed a motion passed by the Dáil last January which called on the Government to establish an independent Stardust assessment to evaluate the claim of the new and updated evidence presented by the Stardust Relatives and Victims Committee relating to the Stardust tragedy. Judge Pat McCartan was chosen by the committee as an independent person who had the committee's trust. Judge McCartan was agreeable to taking the role of the independent assessor and was appointed by the Government on 7 March 2017.

My door is always open, as is that of this Government, to find truth and justice for the families.

See this speech in context