Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that we fully support the retained firefighters and our firefighters generally. We very much value their work. It is important that the value of that work is recognised in their terms and conditions. I know of the incredible work they do in my county and across the country. Following acceptance of the WRC agreement last September, the Department of public expenditure agreed the retainer payment made to retained firefighters could be examined in the next round of pay talks. During the pay talks, stakeholders agreed the following position: "The parties commit to remain in process with a view to concluding the current retainer and associated attendance commitments for retained firefighters." Officials in the Department of housing and the Local Government Management Agency, LGMA, are leading the engagement with staff representatives to conclude the process. Parties were unable to reach a positive conclusion on 31 May and the matter was referred to the WRC. All parties continue to work together on full implementation. We remain absolutely committed to seeing out that process.

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