Garda review into Stardust investigation files under way

A Garda review into files relating to the 1981 Stardust fire has got under way.

Last April, the Garda Commissioner said the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation had been tasked to examine two investigation files which were submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions in 1981 and 2016.

A statement from the gardaí today said the terms of reference for the review have been set and the review has now commenced.

Earlier this year, an inquest jury returned verdicts of unlawful killing for all of the 48 people who were killed in the Artane nightclub fire.

Today, gardaí said the examination will be carried out with consideration of the Coroner's Report on the verdicts of unlawful killing, and any matters brought to the attention of An Garda Síochána by the coroner in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between An Garda Síochána and the Coroner.

It also said the Garda review team has provided an outline of the review process to a representative of the families and that a Family Liaison Officer will be appointed in due course.

The statement concludes by saying the thoughts of all in An Garda Síochána are with the families of the victims, as well as the survivors of the Stardust tragedy.