Taoiseach says he tried to meet with Stardust families

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern insisted that he had done everything possible for the families of the victims of the Stardust tragedy, after it was revealed they intend marching on his clinic on Saturday.

Mr Ahern said that he had given an undertaking to Labour leader Pat Rabbitte two weeks ago that he would meet the families.

"I cleared my diary to do that last week. I also got the Minister [ for Justice] to attend. However, shortly beforehand, I was told the families did not want to meet me but that their legal representative would contact me. I contacted that person, who said he wished to send in a submission first. I agreed that if the families attended this week, I would meet them. Then they said they did not want to meet me this week but would do so next week."

Mr Ahern said he had agreed to this, but then their legal representative had said he would not have his report in until then, meaning that it would have to be after St Patrick's Day.

"In the meantime, the families decided to march on me. However, I have done everything possible."

The Taoiseach was replying to Tommy Broughan (Labour, Dublin North East).