Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to say to the family representatives here today that while I am very glad they are here, I am so sad they have to be here. Today finds us at the culmination of a lifetime of a battle. In time, it is really more than a lifetime of battle. The Stardust fire disaster has been a long-standing symbol of injustice in our country. The families of the victims have been let down by successive governments, the State and the legal system. I am glad they have received a State apology here today. Now is the time to establish a victims' and families' compensation scheme. While no amount of compensation can ever bring back the loved ones lost in the Stardust fire, it is crucial to acknowledge that a compensation scheme serves a different purpose. It is not a solution to the pain of loss but rather a proper recognition of the State's neglect and failure to protect its citizens. The establishment of a compensation scheme free from obstacles is a necessary step towards justice. It acknowledges the time the families have lost and the struggle they have endured in their quest for justice. This scheme should not be seen as a mere financial settlement but as a symbol of the State's commitment to righting the wrongs of the past. Moreover, this compensation scheme should serve as a reminder of the State's responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens and to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future. It is a testament to the resilience of the families, their unwavering pursuit of truth, and their fight for justice. It is a call for accountability, a demand for justice and a pledge for a safer future. It is a promise that the lives lost in the Stardust fire will never, ever be forgotten and that their legacy will continue to inspire change and foster resilience in the face of adversity.

For years the families of the victims carried the very heavy burden of seeking justice for their loved ones. The verdict of unlawful killing finally brought some relief. This verdict, announced by the jury at the inquests of the 48 young people who tragically lost their lives in the 1981 nightclub fire, was indeed met throughout the country and not least of all by the families with a mix of emotions. The inquests, which were the longest ever held in Ireland, were ordered after the families fought a lengthy legal battle.

It was a stark contrast to the original inquest held in 1982, which only lasted a mere five days and focused on the medical cause of the deaths rather than on the actual circumstances leading to the fire. The fire that occurred in the nightclub complex in Artane in Dublin led to the Keane tribunal of inquiry in 1982. The tribunal's strange and deeply cynical conclusion that the fire was probably caused deliberately was strongly opposed by the Stardust families. This conclusion allowed the nightclub owners to claim compensation from Dublin Corporation, which added massive insult to injury.

Thankfully, the Dáil overturned the arson findings in 2009, but this was only a very partial victory for the families. They needed the full facts of what happened on that night on St. Valentine's Day to be brought to light. Now the truth has been revealed. The fire started due to an electrical fault and was first seen between 1.20 a.m and 1.40 a.m. The jury found that the foam used in the seats, the carpets, the tiles and the height of the ceiling contributed to the spread of the blaze. Factors such as a lack of visibility due to black smoke, the toxicity of the gases and smoke, the heat, the failure of the emergency lighting, and the doors that were locked, chained or obstructed not only prevented escape but also contributed to the massive death toll. The families who have been persistent in overcoming the obstacles placed before them rightfully deserved the State apology here today. The Stardust fire disaster is probably one of the greatest injustices in our country's history. It is disgraceful how it was quickly swept under the rug all those years ago, especially when those who were left behind were still in a state of severe shock.

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