The Minister said he had commissioned the Coyne report on the retained firefighter service itself and the terms and conditions of those employed in it and wanted to see its findings implemented. But, he said, “the rates of pay for public sector employees are set by collective agreements that are put in place to ensure that public sector pay is managed sustainably and in a climate of industrial peace.
“However, it is very clear to me that the issue of the fixed element of retained firefighter remuneration needs to be addressed to meet the legitimate needs of firefighters. And in good faith here this evening, I want to state as clearly and as simply as possible, my personal commitment to ensuring that the retainer payment is positively dealt with within the upcoming national pay talks.”
Eoin Ó Broin concluded the discussion by saying that in a speech Siptu said it had been led to believe would be regarded as positive, Mr O’Brien had not only failed to make things better, he had made things worse.