Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As I speak, retained firefighters are on the picket line in Drogheda and they have been forced to do so and left with no other option because of Government inaction. At present only six out of ten retained firefighter positions in Drogheda are filled, and that is a problem across County Louth which has been ongoing for seven years. They work six 24-hour shifts in a row, with only two days off. They are on call for 144 hours per week and have a five-minute turnaround time to get to the station, which most find impossible, and that affects their pay too. Earlier the Taoiseach said he values their work but does he respect their work? The Taoiseach is fully aware that discussions broke down in May and clearly the offers are not realistic or fair. If he values and respects their work, will the Taoiseach ensure, given how long this has been going on, that a realistic offer of proper pay and conditions is made to them?

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