THE independent inquiry into the 1981 Stardust fire tragedy will begin hearing evidence in September, with a final report expected by the end of the year, legal representatives said yesterday.

AFTER an agonising wait of 26 years, the families of five unidentified victims of the 1981 Stardust disaster have at long last laid them to rest, bringing closure of a kind to one of the most harrowing tragedies ever to occur in Ireland.

THE Government was last night criticised for failing to make the terms of reference for an independent inquiry known to families of Stardust victims and their legal representatives.

BEREAVED families and survivors of the Stardust tragedy converged at the Dáil and the site of the fire disaster last night to mark the 26th anniversary of the tragedy.

STARDUST families have issued an ultimatum to the Taoiseach warning they will begin protesting unless details of a promised independent examination are handed over.

On the balance of probability, it would appear judicious that another inquiry into the cause of the tragic Stardust fire be held.