Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

After 43 years, there is at last some measure of justice. What a massive vindication for the families who refused to take no for an answer and refused to be ground down by the system. Everybody knows that the verdict is down to their steadfast campaigning on behalf of their loved ones. Everybody knows that the political and judicial establishments put every obstacle possible in the way of justice down through the decades. Nearly 20 successive Governments came, went and did nothing, while this injustice festered.

Never forget the State attempted to smear the names of young people from the surrounding communities.

The tribunal chairman, the High Court judge, Mr. Justice Keane, appointed by the Government of Charles J. Haughey, found the cause of the fire to be "probable arson". Keane's verdict allowed the owners a Fianna Fáil fundraiser. The man whose premises had bars on the bathroom windows and chains on the fire exits painted himself as a victim before going down to the court, making a claim against the corporation and pocketing £539,000, or €2 million in today's money. Unlawful killing of 48 young people: that is what the State has now ruled. We will watch with interest to see if criminal prosecutions follow.

Some people say Ireland does not have a class system. That is not true and never was true. If anyone out there ever doubts it, just look at the story of the Stardust. This was about social class from beginning to end.

If the Taoiseach's apology is sincere, the State must also stop denying justice to other families, including those who have waited 45 years for justice for those who died at Whiddy. I understand the families have requested a meeting with the Taoiseach and fresh inquests. He should agree to the former and the State should grant the latter.

I will finish my remarks by saluting the men and women in the Gallery. This is your day, though of course you should never have had to go through it.

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