Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

15. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated breakdown of costs within the €8 million allocated to the Stardust inquest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32012/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Stardust fire was a horrific tragedy that has left a legacy of pain for many people in the Artane community. 

As the Deputy will be aware, in September 2019, the then Attorney General wrote to my predecessor as Minister for Justice and Equality to inform him that he had “formed the opinion that fresh inquests into the Stardust deaths are advisable” and in December 2019, the Attorney issued his direction to the Dublin District Coroner that fresh inquests be held.

The running and scheduling of the Inquest is entirely a matter for the Senior Dublin Coroner, Dr. Myra Cullinane – her independence in relation to such matters is set out in the Coroners Acts.  However, I am aware that Dr. Cullinane has begin her work on this matter, and that a preliminary hearing took place last week. It is expected that the public-facing elements of the inquest will begin in early 2021.

While the Coroner is entirely independent in carrying out her functions in relation to this matter, my Department is responsible for supporting the Dublin District Coroner.  To date, my Department has worked to provide her with the following supports:

- The provision of temporary office accommodation for the Stardust inquest team

- The assignment of additional staff to the office of the Dublin Coroner

- The development of a website for the inquest ()

- The appointment of legal and expert guidance for the Coroner

- ICT and other supports as required 

As the Deputy has correctly stated, €8 million in funding has been allocated for new inquests into the victims of the 1981 Stardust fire tragedy. However, while this will be sufficient to cover the above matters and other likely costs, the final cost of this inquest will not be clear for some time, as it will depend on the length of time and costs of legal and other expert advice deemed necessary by the Coroner.  Therefore at this time, I am not in a position to provide a more detailed estimate of the breakdown of costs.