43 years after a devastating fire took place at the Stardust nightclub in Artane, Dublin, the state has finally apologised after it was ruled that the 48 young people who died in the blaze died as the result of an unlawful killing.

It is also understood that a redress scheme will be drawn up, as well as a plan to commemorate those who died in the tragedy, however an Taoiseach's speech today focused exclusively on the state apology.

Beginning the official state apology today, Harris said: "Today we say formally, and without any equivocation. We are sorry".

"We failed you, when you need us the most. From the very beginning, we should have stood with you, but instead we forced you to stand against us."

"I know there have been many times when you thought this day would never come," Mr Harris said.

Family member of Michael French outside the Dáil, 23 April 2024. Copyright Bailey Shropshire

"I know you were forced to endure a living nightmare which began when your loved ones were snatched from you in a devastating fire. I am deeply sorry you were made to fight for so long that they went to their graves never knowing the truth".

"We finally begin to put things right - to bring you in from the cold, to end the neglect of 43 years waiting and fighting for the only thing you ever wanted - the truth".

Taoiseach Simon Harris then began reading pen portraits of the 48 people who died as a direct result of the tragedy, after meeting with family members last Saturday (April 20).

Lisa Lawlor, who was 17-months-old when her parents Francis and Maureen Lawlor died in the Stardust fire. 23 April 2024. Photo: Bailey Shropshire

"You asked me to try to really understand your experience, to really feel your pain and to immerse myself in your world, as you set out in your eloquent pen portraits to the inquest.

"There I found not only terrible anguish, and unimaginable heartbreak, but also love, joy, laughter, personalities, promise, potential, slagging, messing, pride, dignity, talent, innocence, and the deep abyss of loss and loneliness".

Before concluding his speech, which received a standing ovation from the gallery where the families of victims were sitting, Mr Harris said: "They were bright, beautiful people. They had plans. They had dreams."

Family members walking into the Dáil to hear an Taoiseach's apology.