Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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1019. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if calls from the survivors of and the families impacted by the Stardust tragedy, including the calls to open a fresh investigation, prosecute those responsible and other demands coming from the families affected by the tragedy will be listened to. [1477/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, on 18 April 2024, the jury at the inquests into the fire at the Stardust nightclub in Dublin in 1981 returned verdicts of unlawful killing in respect of all 48 of the deceased. Following the verdicts, the Taoiseach delivered a State apology in Dáil Éireann to the families of the victims of the Stardust Fire. Subsequently, individual letters of apology from the Taoiseach were delivered to the families via their solicitors.

With regards to a criminal investigation, the Garda Commissioner has directed the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation to carry out of a review of all available material and files in relation to the Stardust fire.

In relation to the Garda review, I would like to reiterate the statutory independence of An Garda Síochána when it comes to the conduct of Garda business. I am unable to direct the Commissioner in relation to operational policing matters, including the management of investigations. As such, I have no role in the timing or progress of this review. However, I would like to, again, assure all the families of those who lost loved ones in the Stardust tragedy that I support the Garda Commissioner in carrying out this review.

The Government has also put forward a two phased approach on redress. The first phase was developed in consultation and agreement with the legal representatives for the families of the deceased victims of the Stardust fire, and was approved by the Government on 9 August last year. That phase is at an advanced stage of implementation, with nearly all applications under this scheme finalised.

The second exceptionality phase to be examined in respect of survivors, will take into account that compensation awards were made previously by the Stardust Victims’ Compensation Tribunal established in 1985. Work to develop proposals for this exceptionality phase has commenced.