Seanad debates

Wednesday, 15 December 2021

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

10:30 am

Photo of Lynn BoylanLynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am here this morning because I gave a commitment to the families of those who died in the Stardust fire that I would never stop advocating for them and fighting on their behalf. I am back again to raise the Stardust inquest. On 22 February 2022, the arrangement between the Department of Justice and the RDS for the location of the inquest will expire. While assurances have been given by the Department of Justice that it is working on a venue, it is only fair to say that the State’s track record on the Stardust fire has been one of systemic abuse of the families. The families are, therefore, rightly anxious. The Minister for Justice must give them certainty ahead of Christmas. They have always argued for a centrally located and appropriate venue for the inquest, which will be the largest in the history of the State. The families are travelling from many different parts of the country and some have mobility issues, so it is only right that the venue for the inquest should cater to their needs.

In the past year and a half, I had to come into this House to ensure all families have access to legal aid in the inquest. I had to come back again to seek a solution to the situation whereby everyone was getting paid except the families' lawyers. Here I am, back again. I ask the Acting Leader if he will seek a firm commitment from the Minister for Justice to find an alternative venue or extend the current arrangement by the end of this year in order that the families do not have to face into the new year not knowing where the inquest will be held and if there will be delays as a result. They at least deserve that certainty ahead of the Christmas holidays. I appeal to the Acting Leader to write to the Minister for Justice and seek that clarity for the families.

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