Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Apr 1944

Vol. 93 No. 10

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Auxiliary Fire Service.

asked the Minister for Co-ordination of Defensive Measures whether he is aware that the members of the whole-time A.F.S. are doing exactly the same work, including ambulance work, as the regular fire brigade, and running the same risks; that at present they are not entitled to sick pay; that when their clothes get wet at a fire they have no change on returning to station, and when another call comes they have to go out in wet clothes; and that in view of the added risks of contracting sickness, especially during ambulance work, they have been forced to form a welfare fund of their own; and, if so, if in view of the hardship caused through these circumstances he will immediately make provisions whereby these men will become entitled to sick pay during temporary incapacity.

The members of the whole-time A.F.S. are employees of the Dublin Corporation. I understand that the terms and conditions of service, including pay and allowances, were accepted by them when they were recruited. The question of any alteration is a matter to be raised by them with the corporation.

Each of the members of the whole-time A.F.S. has been supplied with woollen uniform. A second woollen uniform is in course of issue, which will be completed as soon as uniforms of all the required sizes can be made available. Each of these men is also supplied with oilskins and rubber boots for use at fires.

Top
Share