Kilkenny retained firefighters 'deserve better pay, conditions and work-life balance'

Sinn Féin TD for Kilkenny, Kathleen Funchion, has said that retained firefighters in Kilkenny deserve urgent action on incomes and conditions to protect the crucial services they provide.

As retained firefighters escalate industrial action this week, Deputy Funchion called on government TDs 'to stop paying lip service to the service’s recruitment and retention crisis, to increase the fixed incomes of firefighters, and to increase staffing levels in order to build and maintain a fit-for-purpose service'. 

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"Urgent government action is needed to save the crucial services provided by retained firefighters," she said.

"Without action on incomes and conditions, the future of these services are in doubt, putting lives at risk.

“There has been a shocking lack of action and political leadership from the government to resolve these issues, which has led to the retention and recruitment crisis, and TDs here in Kilkenny need to speak up for the communities they represent.  

“We need these services to keep the people of Kilkenny safe, and retained firefighters deserve better pay and a better work-life balance.  

“It is time for the government and Minister Darragh O’Brien to stop paying lip service to retained firefighters, and to sort this issue now to ensure communities continue to have crucial fire services.

“The demands being placed upon retained firefighters and their families are unsustainable.

“The government must urgently engage with representative bodies acting on behalf of the retained firefighters to avert an escalation of industrial action.

“Sinn Féin in government would urgently intervene to increase the fixed incomes of firefighters and increase staffing levels in order to build a fit-for-purpose service.”