Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. At the outset, on behalf of the Government, I want to express our shock and horror at the events in Nottingham today. We do not yet know the details because only a certain amount of information is available but it is clear there have been fatalities and a number of injuries. We extend our condolences to those whose loved ones or friends have been killed. We send our best wishes for a speedy recovery to those who have been injured. We will be in touch with British authorities today to offer any assistance we can give and, of course, our solidarity.

In respect of the matter raised by the Deputy, the Government values the work of our retained firefighters. They are highly committed front-line responders, providing an exceptional service in communities across the State.

We know that their terms and conditions need to improve and we are committed to making that happen. The Government has been working on this issue for a number of months. There have been negotiations and significant progress has been made with a proposal made to SIPTU, which included a 20% increase in staffing and elements of rebalancing of pay, with structured time off and more flexible working arrangements. This would all fall within the scope of Building Momentum, the public sector pay agreement that the unions and the Government are committed to and that both sides must honour.

I hope that the two sides can re-engage to resolve the dispute. The offices of the Government are available to intervene. The Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, would be the first port of call in that regard. My message to the public is that emergency contingencies are in place and that any emergency calls relating to fires will be answered.

Aontaím leis an Teachta. Tá an tseirbhís dóiteáin faoi bhrú. Beidh an fhadhb sin á réiteach ach caithfimid a bheith ag caint le chéile arís. Tá oifigí an Stáit, mar shampla, the WRC, ar fáil chun an chaint seo a chur ar siúl arís.

See this speech in context