A compensation plan for the victims and their families of the 1981 Stardust tragedy, which claimed the lives of 48 individuals between the ages of 16 and 27, has been revealed. The scheme is to be managed by the state-appointed barrister Sara Moorehead, SC, who has expertise in mediation, professional negligence and insurance law laws, and will liaise with the legal representatives of the 45 families involved.
This announcement follows a week of dialogue with families led by Taoiseach Simon Harris regarding the compensation. The issue had become a potential obtrusion to a memorial event organised for the individuals who perished in the catastrophic fire at the north Dublin discotheque in the wee hours of February 14th, 1981.
Mr. Harris, in a Friday evening note to the victims’ families, proposed a bicameral approach to the compensation discussions. The first phase involves a one-time, non-adjusted ex gratia payment for each of the 48 fire victims, followed by a second phase specifically catering to “extraordinary circumstances” faced by survivors.
Beginning next Thursday, Ms Moorehead is slated to start dialogue with the families’ legal representation, whether that be a solicitor or chosen counsel, with the target of reaching a consensus on Phase one by July 2024. The memo states that once Phase one is agreed upon, a proposal will be put forward for the Government to observe and sanction the resolution, after which, discussions on Phase two will begin.
Campaigner and fire survivor Antoinette Keegan, who tragically lost both her sisters, 19-year-old Mary and 16-year-old Martina in the disaster, expressed appreciation for the development.
She praised Taoiseach Harris, affirming that “he is the single Taoiseach who has defended us and lived up to his promises in 43 years. We have received an apology from the State, a redress scheme and the Stardust tragedy included in the school curriculum.” Keegan continued, expressing that they can now look forward to the Sunday memorial event. She anticipated it would be an emotional yet significant day for both the victims and their kin.
The memorial service, scheduled to commence at midday in the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin, will be presided over by President Michael D Higgins. The location is a short distance from the Rotunda Hospital’s Pillar Room where an inquest in April determined that all 48 casualties were illegally murdered.
Overseeing the event is Mr Harris, the representative of the Government attendees for this particular Sunday gathering. The commemoration will feature a medley of music from Christy Moore, Zoe Conway on the violin, uileann piper Kevin Rowsome, as well as the Dublin Fire Brigade band. Accompanying the musical performances will be prayers led by Father Joe Jones, a former member of the Bonnybrook Parish, and a contemplative piece from renowned writer, Roddy Doyle.