Independent TD, Sean Canney, has called on the Government to fast track the negotiations on pay and conditions for retained firefighters following the confirmation that firefighters are going ahead with a nationwide strike later this month.
In a post shared online the National Retained Firefighters Association (NRFA ) stated that the structure in place for the country’s fire service is ‘not fit for purpose’ and that the regulation within the service has not changed much since it was established in the late 1940s.
The Irish retained model has been considered outdated for decades, with a report into the structure conducted in 2002 concluding that the Irish retained model was ‘unsustainable’. The NRFA went on to state that the latest report into the fire service, ‘The Coyne Report’ outlined the significant issue regarding staff retention in the Irish fire service.
A report reviewing the recruitment and retention of the fire service and the future sustainability of service delivery, commissioned by Darragh O’Brien TD in 2021, states that number of firefighters who are thinking of leaving the service is a grave concern.
“The most concerning survey finding is that 58 per cent of the firefighters claim that they are likely to leave the service in the next three years. This is a figure of significant concern to the project team, one that highlights the current feelings of firefighters and should be a significant catalyst for implementing changes to the operational model of work over the short term.”
Galway is a large county with new fire stations in Tuam, Athenry and Loughrea as well as long established stations across the expanse of the county, which are undermanned to dangerous levels and the continuing loss of experienced staff due to poor remuneration and lack of work/life balance. Canney stated that the nations reliance on the fire service cannot be under emphasised.
“The tragedy in Creeslough last year highlighted the very important work, dedication, passion and caring commitment of the fire service and we need to demonstrate public commitment to the service.
“The fact is that the model upon which the current service is operating was introduced in the 1950s and is not a fit for purpose in today’s modern work environment.
“I was assured by the Minister with responsibility for the fire Service, Darragh O’Brien TD, in a Dáil debate last year that he is aware of the situation and that he was reviewing the issue with the department officials.
“I am calling on Government to enter meaningful discussions to resolve the pay and conditions issues to ensure this vital service remains functional and that the retained fire service workers are recognised the rewarded for the great work they carry out in all types of conditions.
