Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has announced a payment of €20,000 for survivors of the Stardust fire for "delays in providing truth and justice".
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 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."
Watch: Payouts for 'delays in truth and justice' could amount to €16m, says minister
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.
