Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2016
39. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to acknowledge the new evidence that was presented to her before the dissolution of the Thirty-first Dáil in relation to the cause of the fire in the Stardust tragedy; to agree to the request of the Stardust families for a new commission of inquiry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10149/16]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, I have met with the Stardust Victims' Committee and I have appointed an official in my Department to liaise directly with them in relation to matters about which they have expressed concern.
There has been a significant degree of engagement between the Committee and my Department since the putting in place of that liaison arrangement. Following on from discussions between the Committee and my Department, a researcher associated with the Committee submitted material relating to these events. On foot of this a meeting was held on 23 April last year with this person and another researcher for the Committee. The official in my Department who liaises with the Committee undertook to examine this material and, following such an examination, a draft preliminary analysis was prepared and issued to the Committee in July of last year. The Committee was invited to examine and provide commentary on this preliminary analysis. The Committee's response was provided by way of a presentation made by researchers associated with the Committee on 30 September 2015. The views and materials presented at that meeting were examined in my Department and on 30 November last further documentation issued to the Committee in this connection.
While the Committee outlined its satisfaction with the documentation issued on 30 November last, a further submission outlining some additional matters was received earlier this year from the Committee for consideration. My Department has sought to engage further with the Committee and their researcher in relation to this additional material and this has been the subject of ongoing correspondence between the Committee and my Department.
The Programme for Government outlines that "Full regard will be had to any new evidence which emerges which would be likely to definitely establish the cause of the fire at Stardust" and my Department is committed to continued engagement with the Committee in that context.
I should also say that I am informed by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána that a file has been submitted and is presently with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to further allegations pertaining to the Stardust Fire.
