James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Senator for raising this very important matter. The conduct of inquests is entirely a matter for the senior Dublin coroner, Dr. Myra Cullinane, and her independence in the context of such matters is set out in the Coroners Acts. Nine pre-inquest hearings have been completed to date. The ninth took place last week, on 19 January. My Department is committed to ensuring that the new inquests into the Stardust deaths, as well as the families involved, are provided with all relevant supports. To this end, Government funding of up to €8 million has been allocated for the new inquest, including for legal aid for the families. My Department and the Government are committed to ensuring that a new venue is in place as soon as possible, in order to permit the inquest to be continued by the Dublin coroner. As stated previously, Department officials are considering the matters raised in the recent correspondence from the legal representatives of the families to the Minister and a response will issue from her in due course.