Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

What has been agreed to date with the representatives of fire-fighters in local authorities within the context of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-18 is an accord in principle on the delivery of a comprehensive range of productivity measures related to reforms in respect of the strategically important Keeping Communities Safe programme, the implementation of which is a matter for the fire service authorities at a national level. It is furthermore the case that the reform measures are to be implemented by the entire group of full-time fire-fighters.

The agreement regarding the fire-fighters' pay scale is the result of discussions within the terms of the Lansdowne Road agreement with unions that are fully signed up to the agreement, which remains the framework for public service pay.

Any further consideration of remuneration for any group of public servants, including issues relating to more recently recruited public servants, will fall to be examined within the provisions of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-18. Such arrangements will require compliance with the provisions of the Lansdowne Road agreement on the part of the staff interests. They will also have to comply with the terms of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Acts 2009 to 2015 and their affordability must be underpinned through delivering enhanced workplace practices and productivity.

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