Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I too am glad of the opportunity to speak. I thank Sinn Féin for affording us the opportunity. I also thank all the firemen in the Gallery. I thank those who spoke to me outside the gates, some of whom were from Kerry. They had to go back because they are on duty tonight and have no way out of it.

Another Kerry Deputy suggested that all the Kerry Deputies should support the firefighters. I can say to that Deputy that I have always supported the firefighters. I do not have to be told by him or anyone else to support the firefighters. I recognise the great work they do on the ground when they are called out. Teddy McCarthy, who was already mentioned, is from Sneem and his name comes to mind in this discussion. He acts as an ambulance in many instances because he arrives on the scene hours before an ambulance comes to that rural place. It must be recognised that these men have oxygen and all the things they need to help, including defibrillators and whatever else, and to ensure a person is kept alive. They can reduce a person's pain. They do so much more.

It has been pointed out to me that a firemen cannot be depended on to mind the children while his wife goes shopping because he could be gone when she comes back from the shop. Perhaps such a man would have to take the children with him to the fire station and ring someone to have the children collected. What kind of a life is that? Some of them are only being paid €175 to be retained 24-7. Imagine that. They are only paid €175 to be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They cannot go or live more than five minutes away from the fire station. It is the same as being tied to the leg of the bed. They cannot go anywhere or do anything. It is a job that ties people down. I say to the Minister of State that the Government will have to recognise the calls and claims of these people for proper pay.

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