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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Apr 1943

Vol. 89 No. 13

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Auxiliary Firemen's Uniform and Bonus.

asked the Minister for Defence (1) whether he is aware that there is much dissatisfaction amongst full-time auxiliary firemen regarding the decision not to issue a tunic coat as part of the new uniform, but merely a type of blouse which will not be suitable for a man who, at the present time, has to drill regularly and is often called upon to fight fires; (2) if he will state when these men will receive the 7/- emergency bonus recently awarded, and whether it will be retrospective; and (3) if he has received a request from representatives of the men for a deputation to discuss these and other matters, and whether he will grant this request.

As regards the first part of the Deputy's question, I have not received any intimation from the local authority responsible for the A.R.P. arrangements in Dublin that there is dissatisfaction amongst the full-time auxiliary firemen regarding the decision as to the type of uniform which is to be issued to them. I am satisfied that the uniform is suitable both for drill and fire-fighting. Regarding the second portion of the question, I have authorised the City Manager, Dublin, to pay the emergency bonus of 7/- per week, with effect from 6th January, 1943, to each full-time auxiliary fireman. As to the third part of the question, I have received an application from the secretary to the men's trade union regarding the reception of a deputation with reference solely to the non-payment of the cost-of-living bonus to members of the Auxiliary Fire Service in Dublin. As I had under consideration at that time an application which had been previously received from the local authority in connection with the payment of the bonus, I deferred meeting the deputation. I have informed the Deputy in reply to the second portion of his question that I have since authorised the payment of the bonus.

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