Taoiseach To Deliver Formal State Apology To Stardust Families In The Dáil

Taoiseach Simon Harris is to deliver a formal state apology to the families and victims of the Stardust tragedy later today.

Mr Harris is to deliver this address in the Dáil later today, with the families expected to watch from the Dáil public gallery as he reads out this apology. On 14 February 1981, 48 people died in the Stardust fire in Artane, Co Dublin. 

For 43 years, those connected with this tragedy have campaigned for justice, which is set to take centre stage in this afternoon's proceedings in the Dáil, with Mr Harris to brief the Cabinet, ahead of his formal state apology at 2pm.

The Dáil are to acknowledge the horrifying events of the Stardust nightclub. 

Simon Harris has been in regular contact with the Stardust families in recent days since the jury's verdict at the Dublin City Coroner's Court, which delivered a landmark verdict of unlawful killing last week.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and other relevant ministers are to be asked to ensure that the recommendations made by the jury are being implemented. Mr Harris is to also speak to the Cabinet about proposals to commemorate the Stardust tragedy.

This speech is expected to last for approximately 20 minutes, with Taoiseach Harris to deliver this formal apology to the Stardust families.