Offaly TD raises issue of retained firefighters with Minister

Local Fianna Fáil TD, Barry Cowen, has raised the ongoing dispute regarding retained firefighters with the Minister with responsibility for the Fire Service.

Deputy Cowen said: "Our firefighters are an elite frontline service staffed by very dedicated and selfless people, serving their communities around the clock. My colleagues and I in Fianna Fáil are acutely aware of the invaluable service they provide that is essential to their communities.

"On raising this issue directly with Minister O'Brien, I was pleased to hear the Minister re-emphasise his personal commitment to solving this issue. The Minister provided reassurance that the Government will progress this critical issue, avert industrial action and the dangers that entails while reaching a fair settlement with retained firefighters that fully recognises their value.

"I would like to acknowledge and welcome the efforts of all parties and particularly the dedication of retained firefighters that has served to minimise impact on the general public. Knowing the firefighter cohort as I do, I would not have expected any less from such a committed group of frontline workers.''