Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I commend the families of the Stardust fire on their long and courageous battle for justice in the face of opposition, denial and then negotiations, not just the cold shoulder. That includes Marie Hogan, now Griffin, who did in fact move to County Kerry and who gave crucial evidence at the inquest. The families achieved a stunning victory in establishing the inquest initially and then obtaining a finding of unlawful killing based on the facts presented. Families have been dignified, organised and articulate and many would have given up after the delays, the challenges and the countless years that elapsed as parents and relatives passed away. The work of Darragh Mackin and Phoenix Law deserves special recognition. We are fortunate to have courageous lawyers who can fight the corner of those who have been ignored by the State, failed by the State or challenged by the State.

The Stardust will echo throughout Irish history and should be taught in Irish history. These were ordinary young people out for a night to enjoy themselves. That it is every parents nightmare does not do justice to the horror that was inflicted on that night. We can take solace in the courage and strength of ordinary people who fought back against injustice. The families deserve the tributes, including those at recent football matches, proving that the families' campaign enjoys the support of people who understand that this could have happened to them.

While today is a day for the families and for the survivors of the Stardust fire, there are other cases where we have seen State failings, for those who are seeking justice for the deceased, with inquests, inquiries and apologies. For some time fresh inquests have been requested by the families of the Whiddy Island disaster whose victims died in atrocious circumstances in 1979. Despite repeated requests, family members feel they have been ignored repeatedly. In that case, the recorded causes of death for the victims did not reference the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, including regulatory failures. During that tribunal it was found that the tanker was in poor condition, with evidence of corrosion and leaking, and that Gulf Oil and the employees suppressed the truth about the events that occurred on the night. To this day, two bodies that were recovered remain unidentified, and according to the families, the State has never employed modern techniques to identify them and give solace to the families.

In regard to inquiries, I want to reference the case of Shane O'Farrell. Even this House resolved that there should be an independent inquiry into the circumstances of his death. The failure to move on this continues and the O'Farrell family draws inspiration and shared solidarity with the Stardust families and their need for justice.

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