Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I find myself echoing what our colleague, Senator Boyhan, said. I was six years of age when the Stardust fire happened and I remember it well. I remember its aftermath and the front pages of the newspapers. It is an indictment that it has taken over 40 years to get to this day but it took our generation to right the wrong of previous generations. I salute the Taoiseach as well because he acted quickly, decisively and with empathy. He did what was most important by giving a State apology to the families who lost their loved ones and also for how they were treated. There is nothing worse than losing a love one but the way the State treated the families was an abomination. It was embarrassing. Periodically, particularly around the anniversary, there would be news reports on the case. It was an embarrassment. I salute the Taoiseach.

There is more work to be done. I agree that nobody should be overpromising. There is a process but the most important element of that process was the full State apology, which was given in the Dáil today. This is a very important day for the many families who lost loved ones and have suffered the trauma of injustice since. In the fullness of time, the House should do whatever is appropriate. The planning legislation is important. Nowhere that is in any way a risk to anybody's life should be open. The legacy of the Stardust should be that we have the best fire safety standards, safety standards, exits and building regulations in the world. That should be the legacy going forward.