Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Two points arise here. The first concerns the WRC. The firefighters are telling us that they have been to the WRC on two occasions about issues relating to this so there is no lack of engagement on their part but, unfortunately, it has not borne fruit.

The Minister of State is not wrong. It is to a large extent a local government function. I appreciate that but we came here with a particular ask. We are not asking the Minister of State to second-guess the functions of Cork City Council. Obviously, a portion of this has to be worked through. If it comes to a point, which we are working on and we hope the WRC and the firefighters can get to that point, where Cork City Council brings a proposal forward to the Minister of State seeking full-time staff, will he okay it?

That is the function the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, and his Department has regarding this.  Will he give it clearance because I think it is warranted?

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