Statement from Taoiseach Simon Harris - 20 April 2024

"Today, I held a lengthy meeting with the families and loved-ones of the 48 young people who died in the Stardust fire.

"It was a humbling and emotional meeting. I want to thank every person who attended for what they told me, both as a group and in private individual conversations.

"More than 70 people came to the Department of the Taoiseach today. However, I am acutely aware that the numbers affected by Stardust is many, many multiples of that. That includes those injured, the people working in Stardust, the frontline workers who fought to save lives on the night. It includes survivors, the fire crews, the ambulance staff, the gardaí, the army, the taxi drivers and the communities across Ireland who have carried this tragedy with them for 43 years.

"I have listened closely to everything the families told me and as Taoiseach, I have today apologised unreservedly to each family. I will do so on behalf of the State on Tuesday next."