Firefighters are paid between 8,696 euro and 11,907 euro per annum, to be on call 24 hours a day, 340 days a year
“Most people don’t know that our local [Kildare] retained firefighters are paid the pitiful retention sum of between 8,696 euro and 11,907 euro per annum, to be on call 24 hours a day, 340 days a year. It’s an insult for people who have to risk their lives to do their jobs," according to Kildare North TD Réada Cronin.
The Sinn Féin TD is highlighting what she calls the “perverse low pay” of local retained firefighters.
The Spokesperson on Defence is accusing North Kildare government TDs of throwing local firefighters into the flames of political indifference and neglect by refusing to back key Dáil vote to protect them.
The motion was brought to the Dáil by Sinn Féin to ensure that retained fire fighters would get fair pay, safe working conditions and proper staffing levels.
However, North Kildare government TDs refused to support Sinn Féin's proposals.
Réada Cronin commented: "Retained fire fighters have been pushed to their limits by the government. These brave workers we depend on in life and death situations feel they have been left with no choice but to engage in strike action this week.
“They do extremely dangerous jobs under incredibly difficult circumstances, including being first on the scene to situations of trauma and catastrophic injury most of us could not even imagine.
“They put their own lives on the line to save ours, protecting communities across North Kildare. Yet, poor conditions and unsafe staffing levels have contributed to a recruitment and retention crisis.
"Government has ignored their calls for reform and have refused to act," she claimed.
“Sinn Féin brought a motion to the Dáil this week to ensure that the retained fire fighters in North Kildare get fair pay and conditions, as well as ensuring safe staffing levels.
"This would prevent fire fighters feeling the need to escalate strike action further and ensure that communities can be protected.
“Shockingly, FF and FG TDs outright refused to back Sinn Féin’s motion and so back our firefighters, their lifesaving work and their families. They refused to stand with retained fire services and the local communities they protect.
“The fire fighters and wider community deserve to know why our government TDs have thrown our firefighters into the flames of indifference and neglect," she added.
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