Stardust Disaster.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2010

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Questions (474)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

534 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will fulfil his commitments in relation to redress, a public apology and a commemoration for the victims and survivors of the 1981 Stardust disaster as recommended in the Coffey Report and from the outstanding campaign by the Stardust Victims and Relatives Committee; the reason there is an ongoing delay in implementing these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1643/10]

Written answers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

As the Deputy will be aware, resolutions have been passed in both Houses of the Oireachtas concerning the findings of the Stardust Tribunal of Inquiry, thereby fulfilling the principal recommendations of Mr. Paul Coffey SC's report and fully meeting the Government's commitments in this regard. For the Deputy's information, I can advise him that Mr. Coffey's report does not contain recommendations in relation to the matters raised in his question.

Mr. Coffey's other, discretionary, finding concerning ongoing outstanding counselling and medical needs is also being addressed. A public information notice was placed in newspapers and communicated to the Victims Committee last October asking those who might wish to access such services through this channel to register their interest. Arrangements to provide these services, based on the level of interest indicated, are now being finalised and will be put into effect very shortly.