An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business
Seanad Éireann — 2026-05-28
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Chris Andrews (SF), Labour Panel

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to the effect that debate on the Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2025 should adjourn at 2:30 p.m., and not conclude at that time. This is important legislation and the Government should not force it through the Oireachtas without proper scrutiny. Pre-legislative scrutiny was denied and the debate in the Dáil was cut short. The same should not happen in the Seanad. Dozens of important amendments need to be discussed and I urge the Government parties to show some respect to the Seanad and its role in scrutinising legislation. They should allow us to do the job that we are paid to do.
I also raise the payment scheme for the Stardust fire victims. Yesterday, they gave a presentation in the audiovisual room. They are upset and quite angry, and understandably so. The scheme, as it currently stands, has faced considerable criticism from many of the worst affected survivors of this tragic event. It gives no consideration to the severity of injury or experience and gives a flat rate of compensation, rather than one proportionate to the individual cases.
The Government claims that this decision was taken to streamline the compensation process and make it easier for survivors to receive payment. It was taken without consulting the survivors or campaigners. Yesterday, some of those families expressed their concern and hurt that they heard about the new payment scheme through the media. There has been no engagement with them. They are upset. The least they deserve is some sort of engagement. There is considerable inequality in not recognising differences. Some people may have been there on the night and left early. They may have lost a coat. They may have been in circumstances whereby they suffered life-altering and devastating consequences. Jimmy Fitzpatrick had serious burns and injuries. It is important that the Minister meets and engages with them. It is the least they deserve. They have been through an awful lot since 1981 when the 48 children were killed. It is imperative that the Minister meets them. I ask that we raise the matter with the Minister to ensure there is some engagement and consider the payment plan, which seems very unfair to those worst affected.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-05-28/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:01+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-28