The government is to face a possible defeat in a Dáil vote tonight in respect of Sinn Fein’s motion supporting the Retained Fire Fighters. Almost 2,000 firefighters across Ireland are taking industrial action at present that means 50% of fire stations are off call at any given time. An all-out strike will begin on June 20th if no resolution is agreed. The staff are represented by SIPTU and want changes to pay and job structure to address the current recruitment and retention crisis. SIPTU says industrial action will not be called off to enter talks and want an improved offer to be made before talks resume.
The motion was debated in the Dáil last night but the vote was deferred until tonight. Deputy Martin Browne and Deputy Mattie McGrath were the only Tipperary TDs to speak in the debate last evening. Today, the Regional Independents which includes Tipperary TD Michael Lowry say they will vote in support of the Sinn Fein motion. Two of the Regional Independent TDs Deputy Verona Murphy and Deputy Matt Shanahan from Waterford sharply criticised the Government performance during last night’s debate.
Retained firefighters must remain within three kilometres of their stations for a base payment of €8,500 annually or about 95 cents per hour. Other payments can be made for work on pre incident planning, home visits and call response. Tipperary County Council are currently advertising for positions with the Fire Service with potential annual earnings of €20,000 – €25,000 per annum.
