Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I also thank Deputy Paul Donnelly for bringing forward this motion. Dublin Fire Brigade provides an invaluable full-time fire rescue and ambulance service for the greater Dublin area. It is a model that should be replicated throughout the country. It is clear that while the retained model that is prevalent in rural Ireland is doing its best thanks to part-time retained firefighters, the system is not suitable for the 21st century. We need an all-Ireland national fire service that is free from the budget constraints of local authorities, where it competes with roads and playgrounds for the meagre resources provided out of county councils' income. Economies of scale and the sharing of expertise will help to modernise our fire service. If the issues of recruitment and retention are not addressed, firefighters or members of the public may be seriously injured or even die. This simply cannot be allowed to occur.

Firefighters put their lives on the line every time they answer a call. In 2007, firefighters Brian Murray and Mark O’Shaughnessy from Bray and Michael Liston from Foynes, County Limerick, gave their lives in the line of duty. I would like to remember them and all those who have served in our fire service who are no longer with us. The Government must provide funding to employ additional fire service staff by offering positions to all those currently on the recruitment panel for the greater Dublin area and to plan for further expansion in the years ahead. The Government must make it easier for firefighters transfer between local authorities without loss of pay grade and pension entitlements.

The Minister heard Deputy Seán Crowe speak about Kildare. I know several firefighters who live in Kildare and who commute outside the county to full-time positions. Some of them are obliged to travel more than 100 miles each way. They would gladly work in Dublin were it not for the lack of ability to transfer, as well as the loss of pay and entitlements. They should be as successful at interview as any raw recruit. I would imagine that there are many more who live much closer to Dublin. I feel urgent action is needed before the situation gets any worse.

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