Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We need a debate about the pay and conditions of retained firefighters. The Taoiseach will be aware that there was a breakdown in negotiations between the National Retained Firefighters Association and Government agencies earlier this month. We know that retained firefighters have very onerous conditions. They must be other call for 24 hours a day for a minimum 48 hours for 48 weeks of the year. The average wage for retained firefighters stands at only €13,000 approximately, and SIPTU, which represents retained firefighters, has pointed out that the Government has failed to address a worsening recruitment and retention crisis in the service. Therefore, starting next week, retained firefighters will commence industrial action. This is at a time when, with the really good, sunny weather, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has been warning of increased fire risks. Can we have a debate on the pay and conditions of retained firefighters, as these have to be addressed urgently?

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