Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter and for the manner in which she did so, because this is a serious issue. I reiterate that much progress has been made since January on many issues. This has been recognised by SIPTU. The report on the retained fire service received more than 1,000 submissions, many of them coming from firefighters. The main remaining issue is that of pay and the retained payment, which is too low. I have said this. It is certainly too low. I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure this payment is increased, and increased significantly. There is contact between my Department and union representatives. This is happening. I ask that we use the apparatuses available to the State to resolve disputes, such as the WRC, and, if required, the Labour Court. I say this because this situation is resolvable. Leaving everything else aside, fundamentally, this is about retaining the brave men and women who are in these posts now and attracting more people into the service.

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