Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As the Taoiseach and the two Ministers have said, this has been a tragedy of harrowing proportions for the families. It was a Valentine's night that turned to anguish. You can only imagine the panic of people experiencing the chains and padlocks blocking their exits, the lights failing and the darkness as that tragedy ensued. The initial determination of arson was seen as a further slap in the face to the families and victims. The burning sense of injustice has fired these families throughout a very long struggle and we who have represented them in the constituency have failed them; I acknowledge that fully. Often it seemed that the chains and padlocks were being again put in place as they sought to find justice from a system that always seemed to have the doors closed. Your anger and frustration with politicians and the system is amply justified. Even though the record of arson was overturned, you did not know the truth. It is with great sorrow that we realise at long last that we have to acknowledge the failings that have brought us to this day. I acknowledge the fortitude and determination of the families, which is an example to us all. I join wholeheartedly in the apology issued by the Taoiseach and the two Ministers.

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