Stardust families welcome Dáil motion on cause of fire

The families of the Stardust victims have welcomed a government move to change the public record in relation to the cause of the fatal fire almost 28 years ago.

The Government tabled a Dáil motion last night stating that there is no evidence the fire was started deliberately and the cause is officially unknown.

A public inquiry in 1981 said the fire was probably caused by arson, but the finding has been disputed by relatives of the victims ever since.

They have been campaigning for a new inquiry and the Government has appointed an independent investigator to examine whether this is warranted by the available evidence.

In last night's motion, the Dáil acknowledged that the arson finding was hypothetical and that none of those present at the Stardust nightclub can be held responsible for the blaze.

Antoinette Keegan of the Stardust Victims Committee is describing the statement as "a major achievement" and a victory for the 48 people who died in the fire.