Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Retained firefighters are balloting this week with an indication from their union, SIPTU, to reject the offer. The firefighters are disappointed with the offer that is on the table as it does not address the low value of the retainer and the precarious nature of their pay structure. I do not want to pre-empt the results of the ballot but the feedback I am getting is entirely negative. Given that the Dáil is rising, this is something on which I would like some clarity from the Tánaiste. We are talking about workers who provide a life and death service. We must have a functioning fire service across the country. In my county of Wicklow every firefighter is a retained fire officer. If the offer is rejected, as is the belief of the union, will the Government re-engage with the industrial relations process and get back around the table with these essential workers to find a deal?

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