Written answers

Wednesday, 25 January 2006

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Stardust Inquiry

8:00 pm

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 1098: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to new evidence regarding the Stardust fire tragedy in Artane on St. Valentine's Day February 1981; and if a fresh inquiry will be initiated for the victims and their families. [1061/06]

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 1150: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding new evidence submitted on behalf of the Stardust victims committee in relation to the causes of the tragic and horrific fire at the Stardust nightclub on St. Valentine's Day 1981; the further position regarding the expert report from the forensic science laboratory. [1485/06]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1098 and 1150 together.

I can advise the Deputies that in 2004, following a number of meetings between representatives of the Stardust victims committee and officials from my Department, the Department of Health and Children and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, a submission was presented to my Department on behalf of the victims committee. This submission was forwarded to the Garda Commissioner and the forensic science laboratory for examination as to whether it constituted "new evidence" or material otherwise not dealt with by the tribunal of inquiry. Both the Garda Commissioner and the forensic science laboratory responded to the Department stating that the report contained no new evidence.

A meeting was subsequently held in November 2004 between the Stardust victims committee and the Secretary General of my Department. The committee was informed of the views of the Garda Commissioner and the forensic science laboratory and advised that in the absence of compelling new evidence, the establishment of a further tribunal of inquiry could not be recommended. It was, however, made clear to the delegation that any further submission they or their representatives wished to make would be carefully examined by the Department. To date no such submission has been received.

My Department has recently received correspondence from one of the members of the committee which has been forwarded to the forensic science laboratory for observations.

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