The solicitor whose firm led negotiations between the Stardust families and the Government has welcomed a €24 million ex gratia redress scheme approved today (9 August).

Darragh Mackin (partner at Phoenix Law, pictured) said that the “unprecedented sum” reflected “the unprecedented miscarriage of justice bestowed on these families”.

A Government statement also welcomed the conclusion of discussions with the representatives of the families, whose relatives were killed in the 1981 fire, on redress arrangements.

“The finalisation of this redress package is the culmination of a series of steps the Government has taken to recognise the State failure to provide truth and justice over more than 40 years to the families whose 48 relatives were killed in a fire, which was subsequently found by inquest to be unlawful killing,” the Government said.

The verdict of unlawful killing was delivered in April, and was followed by a formal apology from the Taoiseach Simon Harris on behalf of the State.

Support for families

Darragh Mackin described the latest development as the crystallisation of “intense and relentless engagement” over the last number of months.

“It is impossible to put a value on the loss these families have sustained. However, these payments go a considerable way to providing support to these families for all their relentless efforts and life investment, which they so courageously devoted over the last four decades,” the solicitor stated.

He described the payments as “the gateway to a new dawn for the families of these victims”.

Phoenix Law acted for 47 of the 48 families affected by the disaster.