The Irish Prime Minister “desperately wants to be able to apologize” for the Stardust tragedy.

The families of the 48 young people who died in the north Dublin nightclub fire in 1981 have called for an official government apology.

Earlier this week, following new investigations, a jury concluded they were unlawfully killed.

This follows an earlier finding in 1982 that the fire was intentionally set.

But on Thursday, a majority decision from a jury of seven women and five men concluded that the fire, which broke out in the early hours of Valentine's Day 1981, was caused by an electrical fault in the bar's hot press.

The victims' families hugged each other in the Pillar Room in Dublin after the verdict was announced.

On Friday morning, Susan Behan, whose brother John Colgan was among those killed, said the government should issue an official state apology, describing it as “the right thing to do”.

Taoiseach Mr Harris said he hoped to meet with the families on Saturday.

He said he was “eager to be able to apologize to these families” but wanted to meet them first.

“I reached out to the families today and offered to meet them tomorrow,” he told the media as he attended an event in Co Carlow on Friday.

“I'm very interested in meeting the families and I'm very aware that these families have felt unheard for decades and I want to make sure they know that I'm listening, that I want to listen to them and of course I want to “I want to be able as Taoiseach to apologize on behalf of this country, but I think the best thing to do is to meet with them.”

Mr Harris said he spoke to Stardust survivor Antoinette Keegan on Thursday after the verdict.

“I contacted the families today and offered to meet them tomorrow if that works for them, or if not, at another time of their choosing,” he said.

“I would like to apologize to these families, but I feel it is right and appropriate that I meet them first.”

Asked about further investigations into Stardust, Mr Harris said: “I am aware that the Gardai will be looking at the coroner's report, that is right and proper that they are doing that.”

“I am also aware that my colleague, the Justice Minister, will be asking the Attorney General to also consider the coroner’s report.

“As Taoiseach, I firmly believe that it is important that the state recognizes the pain, suffering and trauma and the horrific length of time that these families have had to work, struggle and fight for truth and justice.”

Previously, Ms Behan told RTE Radio's Morning Ireland programme: “I think it's important for us because I think we've been ignored. “I really feel like we've been ignored. I feel like they were so disrespectful to us.

“We were left to our own devices, that shouldn't have been the case, so now it shouldn't be a big deal for them to turn around and say, 'We're sorry, we did something wrong' and apologize to us.” ” us.

“It's the least they can do and it shouldn't take them long to figure out what to do.

“Do the right thing and apologize to the public. We deserve it. Our loved ones deserve it.”

She said Thursday's verdict “meant so much to finally hear that our loved ones were wrongfully killed.”

“So many emotions. It took so long,” she said.

“When we heard it, it was just unreal. All these emotions, 43 years, then we finally, finally hear these words. It was just incredible. It was really.

“Honestly it's very hard to put it into words because this morning I actually can't believe it. I am so relieved that we are finally getting the justice we deserve.”