Crisis at Retained Fire Service needs to be addressed, says Sinn Fein’s Mitchell

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Bay North Denise Mitchell has called for support for proposals to address the recruitment and retention crisis in the Retained Fire Service.

Deputy Mitchell says that the Retained Fire Service is no longer fit for purpose as a recent survey revealed that 60% of retained firefighters intend to leave in the near future, many within the next year.

Minister Darragh O’Brien’s failure to engage with the Retained Fire Service has has led to a situation where there is danger to the safety of both members of the Retained Fire Service and members of the public, she says.

“The lack of political leadership from Minister Darragh O’Brien to resolve the retention and recruitment crisis has led to the Retained Fire Fighters balloting its members for industrial action.

“Sinn Féin is bringing forward a motion calling for the establishment of a cross-party Joint Oireachtas Committee to conduct a full and independent review of how the national retained fire service is delivered across the state.

“Sinn Féin is asking that this committee sit for four months. The Committee should be tasked to undertake a consultation of witnesses and stakeholders to examine pay, conditions, and management of the Retained Fire Service, before bringing forward a report with key recommendations for the government to act upon.

“The unprecedented recruitment and retention crisis is leading to regular situations where fire crews are forced to respond to emergencies with half their crew strength.

“They felt that they had no option but to consider proposals for industrial action following the failure to achieve any meaningful progress in discussions between SIPTU and the Fire Services National Oversight and Implementation Group (FSNOIG).”

Deputy Mitchell says the industrial action is now a strong possiblity.

“The notices have all been served on the chief executives of the local authorities across the state, and the balloting of members has commenced,” she said.

“It is reported to be as high as 97% in favour of industrial/strike action in some areas, which is indicative of the sense of crisis felt across the state.

“The Retained Fire Service delivers an invaluable service for our communities across the state.

“Its members are professional, dedicated and want to make the service better, and a safer place to work.

“The current model of management is no longer fit for purpose.

“The recruitment and retention crisis, brought about by chronic staffing shortages, are now placing unsustainable demands upon the members of the Retained Fire Fighters Service.

“Failure to address the problems is placing the health and safety of its members and members of the public in danger during emergency callouts.”