Stardust: Government will consider unlawful killing verdict 'in full'

Simon Harris said all recommendations from the jury would be examined by the Government.

Simon Harris: 'The Stardust tragedy was one of the darkest moments in our history, a heart-breaking tragedy because of the lives that were lost, the families that were changed forever, and the long, drawn-out struggle for justice that followed.' Picture: LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images

The Government will consider the verdict of unlawful killing delivered by the jury of the Stardust inquest "in full", Taoiseach Simon Harris has said.

In a statement following the verdict, Mr Harris said all recommendations from the jury would be examined by the Government.

In a landmark verdict on Thursday, the jury in the Stardust inquests determined that all 48 young people who died in the 1981 fire were unlawfully killed.

“The Stardust tragedy was one of the darkest moments in our history, a heart-breaking tragedy because of the lives that were lost, the families that were changed forever, and the long, drawn-out struggle for justice that followed,” Mr Harris said.

“Today we remember the 48 people who lost their lives, all those who were injured, and all those whose lives were marked forever by the tragedy.” 

The Taoiseach said the families of the 48 young people who died have carried the weight of the tragedy with “unwavering strength and dignity”.

“Their relentless pursuit of truth and accountability, their profound commitment to justice, even in the face of overwhelming challenges and setbacks, was not only a fight for their loved ones but a campaign to ensure that such a disaster never happens again.” 

He said that their campaign over the last four decades “demands our respect and our support. They never stopped searching for answers, for justice, and for some form of peace. We best honour all those who died by ensuring that the voices of their loved ones are heard and acted upon".

48 young people never came home that night, but as Taoiseach I want to say this to their families; You never gave up on justice for them, you never let Ireland forget about them. They were never alone, and our country owes you a great debt for that.

President Michael D Higgins described the verdict as a “vindication” for the families and relatives of the 48 people who died in the Stardust tragedy.

“This afternoon’s verdict is a vindication of the fight of those relatives, a promised fulfilled, carried out over 43 long years, by the relatives, friends and community of the 48 young people, all aged between 16 and 27, who had their lives cut short on a night they had simply set out to spend and enjoy in the company of their friends,” he said.

President Higgins said that the inquests allowed for those who died to be provided with “dignity and recognition”.

“Today’s findings have at last brought a conclusion as to the circumstances of their death: to the cause of the fire, to the factors which contributed to its spread, to the factors which impeded those who died in their ability to escape and to access and exit through emergency exits, by its ultimate verdict of unlawful killing.

“Findings which again have come about thanks to the tireless campaigning and work of those who cared most for the loss and appropriate memory of each of those who died.

“I am very conscious that today will be a day of the deepest emotions for the loved ones of those who died. A day of vindication and of honour, but also a day of the deepest sadness and regret. I think in particular of those whose passing means this conclusion comes too late for them.”

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said that while the conclusion of the inquest will not bring back those who died on the night, she hoped it would bring “some small degree of closure and healing around this tragic event”.

“All those affected have endured so much, and while I know the pain of such loss and suffering never fades, I hope they will feel they have today finally got to the truth of what happened,” Ms McEntee said.

“I sympathise greatly with the families of the 48 young people tragically killed in the fire for the terrible loss they suffered. I also recognise the lasting impact on everyone who attended that night and their families. I know so many of you today will be thinking of your parents and other relatives who never got over their terrible loss.”

Prior to the verdict being reached, Leaders’ Questions began with Tánaiste Micháel Martin and Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty stating that their thoughts were with the families of those who died in the Stardust fire.

Stardust survivor Antoinette Keegan, who lost her two sisters Mary and Martina, outside Dublin Coroner's Court after a verdict of unlawful killing has been returned by the jury in the Stardust fire inquests. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

“They have waited, as we all know, four decades to answers to what happened to their loved ones at that time and they faced many, many obstacles including those put in their way by this state,” Mr Doherty said. “I hope that the families involved today get those answers that they have been waiting for.” 

The Tánaiste added: “My thoughts and all of our thoughts are with the families of those who died in the Stardust tragedy in 1981.

“This will be a huge moment for the families and indeed for the entire country because the Stardust tragedy is seared on the collective consciousness of the Irish people and the tenacity of the families and their success in securing this inquest has been a service to all in society.”