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Phoenix Law issued formal pre-action correspondence to the Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, on behalf of Jimmy Fitzpatrick, an injured survivor and other survivors who remain without the state compensation they were publicly promised. The Irish government said last year that phase two of the redress scheme, dealing with the survivors, would be examined when the compensation for the families of the deceased was complete. The justice department said the work, which includes considering compensation that was originally awarded in 1985, is due to conclude shortly. Phoenix Law said phase two of the redress scheme "was explicitly promised to survivors following the conclusion of the Stardust Inquests in April 2024". "This commitment was repeated in the Dáil and in written parliamentary responses, and its terms were published in The Irish Times on 21 June 2024. "Despite the conclusion of phase one several months ago, there has been no communication, progress, or engagement with survivors regarding phase two. "The government's failure to act has caused further distress, uncertainty, and suffering to survivors, many of whom now face deteriorating health." Phoenix Law added: "The government's public statements created a legitimate expectation that the phase two scheme would commence promptly upon completion of phase one. "The failure to do so is unlawful and will now be challenged by way of judicial review". Colm Dore of Phoenix Law said: "The government made a solemn and public promise to Stardust survivors, a promise that has, yet again, been broken. "Nearly 45 years after the fire, these individuals continue to live with the consequences of that night and the repeated failures of the state. Further delay is unconscionable and will not go unchallenged."
