The families of some of those killed in the Stardust disaster will be in the Dáil today to hear an official apology from the State.

Taoiseach Simon Harris will formally apologise to the relatives of the 48 victims just after 2pm this afternoon after he personally met with a number of them last Saturday.

The family’s 43-year fight for justice resulted last week in a verdict of unlawful killing at the inquests into their deaths.

Stardust survivor Antoinette Keegan, who lost her two sisters Mary and Martina, pictured after the 'unlawful killing' verdict was given at their inquest. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Maurice Frazer, whose sister Thelma was among those killed, said it’s been a long and difficult battle.

“For 43 long years we’ve been relentless in our quest for justice for our dear sister Thelma, her boyfriend Michael and 46 others,” he said.

“We tirelessly battled against the barriers and the closed doors of Ireland's political and justice systems.”

Cabinet

At today’s Cabinet meeting and ahead of his statement in the Dáil this afternoon, the Taoiseach will ask Government to note his intention to give a State apology in the Dáil.

He’ll also note the Government accepts the verdict and recommendations of the inquest and as the Minister for Justice and other relevant ministers to report back on their implementation.

Families of the Stardust victims are expected to be in the Dáil's public gallery later, as the apology is read out.

Reporting by Teena Gates.

Main image:  Families of Stardust Fire victims in the Garden of Remembrance. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo