Scheme to compensate Stardust survivors 'disappointing', says solicitor
- Dignity 4Patients
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
By RTÉ News- 10/02/2026- RTÉ News- [Dublin, Ireland]- [Stardust Nightclub]
A solicitor acting for survivors of the Stardust fire has called a scheme to compensate them a "very disappointing development".
Earlier, Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan announced a payment of €20,000 for survivors of the fire for "delays in providing truth and justice".
However, solicitor Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law said it "reneges upon previous agreements, and in particular, the commitment that the victims would be engaged in the process".
Mr Mackin added: "It is not too late to salvage this process before confidence is eroded beyond repair.
"We simply ask the Minister to engage to ensure that the voices of victims are heard and previous promises honoured.
"We are now instructed to write to the Minister to ask for an urgent meeting to seek an urgent resolution"
In 1981, 48 people died in the fire at the Stardust nightclub in Dublin. More than 200 others were injured when the blaze broke out on St Valentine's night in 1981.
In April 2024, verdicts of unlawful killing were returned at the inquests into the deaths of the 48 people.
Campaigner Antoinette Keegan, who sustained serious injuries in the fire and whose two sisters Mary and Martina were killed, also criticised the announcement of the scheme.
She said it was done without consulting survivors and said promises made by previous Governments have been broken.
Darragh Mackin called on the Minister for Justice to engage with victims of the fire.
In a statement released this afternoon, the Department of Justice said the survivor payments "will mark the conclusion of several steps the Government has taken to address matters arising from the 2024 inquest".
It said: "Phase One (completed in August 2025) concerned the families of those who were unlawfully killed at the Stardust.
"Phase Two, which was approved by Government today, applies to all those survivor beneficiaries of the original Stardust Victims Compensation Tribunal."
In the statement, Mr O'Callaghan said: "I am very conscious that the 45th anniversary of the Stardust tragedy is imminent.
"In announcing the details today of Phase Two of the recognition payments, I want to remember the 48 victims who were unlawfully killed during the terrible events of 14 February 1981 and their families, who continue to deal with the legacy of such a profound and terrible loss.
"I also want to recognise today the survivors who were injured during this horrific event.
"This will fulfil the Government's commitment to implement a two-phased approach to Stardust redress. Payments in respect of Phase One of the redress, for the families of those so tragically killed in the fire, were completed in August last year.
"Phase Two, which I am announcing today, will provide for ex gratia recognition to all survivor beneficiaries of the original Stardust Victims Compensation Tribunal," he said.
Mr O'Callaghan explained that the payment is "not intended to constitute 'compensation' for the injuries and trauma sustained by those who survived the fire, as that was the scope of the original tribunal, but instead, what is proposed is a payment which recognises the delays in providing truth and justice".
He said the payments could amount to a total cost of up to €16.4m.
"There are 823 people who are eligible, I can't say if each one of them will apply, or are still alive to apply.
"But we're working off a figure of 823 at a total cost to the State in the region of €16.4m - that's the maximum cost," he said.
Mr O'Callaghan said a scheme would be set up within the Department of Justice, and that individuals would be able to apply in a "very simple manner".
"This is not a process that requires lawyers to be involved," he added.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article and were abused in state run medical and health facilities, you can contact Dignity4Patients, whose helpline is open Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm.
Dignity4Patients Commentary:
We stand in solidarity with the Stardust victims and hold their families in our thoughts.
But solidarity must also mean accountability.
There are growing concerns about the lack of victim involvement in the State-led redress and inquiry processes for the Stardust Inquiry. When survivors are excluded their confidence in the entire process is undermined.
As victims and survivors of convicted sexual abuser Michael Shine begin a similar Department of Health Scoping Exercise, anxiety is understandably high. They are engaging in good faith, with legitimate expectations that their rights under the Victims’ Charter will be upheld throughout the process.