(Limerick East): I propose to answer Questions Nos. 33 and 34 with Priority Question No. 38. As announced on 25 September 1985, the Government decided to set up a tribunal to assess ex gratia compensation to victims of the Stardust disaster and their families. As stated in that announcement the Government were concerned that the agony suffered by the victims of the tragedy and their families should be brought to an end as soon as possible. In accordance with that decision the scheme of compensation for personal injuries suffered at the Stardust, Artane, on 14 February 1981 was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas yesterday, 22 October 1985.
A notice concerning the scheme appeared in today's national newspapers which, inter alia, states that copies of the scheme and application forms are available from the office of the tribunal.
The staff of the tribunal will process applications in the first instance. The assessment of claims by the tribunal will depend on how quickly the necessary documentation is submitted and processed.
It was precisely because of the delays being experienced prior to the initiation of legal proceedings — and to be expected in the course of such proceedings — that the Government took the decision mentioned. The Deputy will, however, appreciate that it would not be open to me to intervene in any way in these proceedings. I have no doubt, however, that the question of expediting any cases that may go to court rather than to the tribunal is something that can be considered by the courts hearing them and the parties to each case.