John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I too join with Members in expressing my deep sympathy to the family and friends of the late, great Paul Coghlan. It was an absolute pleasure to have known what I would describe as the most generous and kind man. He gave of his time to so many in terms of nurturing and advising people, including me, over the years. I will always be thankful for that.

I too would like to raise the issue of the retained firefighters. It is disappointing that we have reached a point whereby people who give their time to serve the public in the most difficult of circumstances have to be out on strike today. It is not a circumstance that any of them are happy with. Obviously, emergency cover is still being provided but it is very disappointing that we have reached this point. As others have said, a payment of €700 a month, or €8,500 a year, plus call-out fees is not a sustainable model. The model has to be re-examined. In the past, people were employed by the local authority sector but that is no longer the case. It is difficult for private employers to allow people time off. That impacts on operations. The restrictions in terms of the 3 km requirement, if people can get a job in their local area, are very challenging for all concerned. I support the call for a debate on this issue. I want all parties to get around the table and come up with a framework for a resolution of this dispute that will look favourably on workers in terms of their remuneration. I want to get back to having an excellent service provided as soon as possible.