The families of the 48 victims of the 1981 Stardust tragedy have welcomed a decision by the Government to appoint a judge to assess whether a new inquiry into the blaze is needed.

The Cabinet became embroiled in a “hot and heavy” row yesterday over whether to grant a fresh State inquiry into the 1981 Stardust tragedy at its weekly meeting yesterday.

Relatives and survivors of the 1981 Stardust tragedy begin a series of daily protests outside the Dáil later this morning.

RTÉ is set to alter its upcoming dramatisation of the 1981 Stardust disco fire following feedback from relatives of the victims who attended a special screening of the two-part series over the weekend.