‘Department did not block earlier inquiry’ into Stardust, says Justice dept

The Department of Justice has insisted it did not block a fresh inquiry into the Stardust tragedy as far back as 2009.

Last night, officials maintained the department did not seek the removal of a recommendation for a new inquiry into the fire from a Government-sponsored report by a leading lawyer.

The insistence comes as the Government agreed to ask a former criminal judge to assess whether new evidence from the victims’ families merits a State Commission of Inquiry, thus avoiding the resignation of Minister Finian McGrath.