Social Democrats TDs Cian O’Callaghan and Gary Gannon have criticised the government for announcing the latest Stardust redress scheme without any consultation with survivors.
Deputy O’Callaghan, who is a TD for Dublin Bay North, said:
“As we approach the 45th anniversary of the Stardust fire tragedy, the government has added further stress and pain to survivors in its handling of this matter.
“Despite promises from government that they would be consulted before finalisation of the second phase of the scheme, survivors only found out details of the compensation package through the media.
“This one-size-fits-all approach to compensation also reneges on previous commitments to deal separately with those who suffered the most serious injuries.
“This latest setback for survivors continues a shameful pattern of poor consultation, broken promises and inadequate compensation by successive governments – each one eager to wash its hands of this appalling tragedy.
“The handling of this latest fiasco is an insult to a group of people who have already suffered unimaginable pain and trauma. I am now calling on the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan to urgently meet with survivors.”
Deputy Gannon, who is the party’s justice spokesperson, said:
“With the 45th anniversary of Ireland’s worst ever fire tragedy now upon us, it is shameful to see the suffering of survivors compounded by this government’s insensitive handling of the latest redress scheme.
“The €20,000 being offered across the board has no regard for the extent of each survivor’s injuries or lifelong suffering. To put it in context, it amounts to just over €400 per year for each year that justice was denied to the Stardust families.
“The failure by the Minister for Justice to consult with survivors before announcing details of the scheme is inexcusable and risks retraumatising those who have suffered State neglect and abandonment for decades.”
February 11, 2026