Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 February 2019
222. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will address a matter regarding firefighters and retired firefighters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10028/19]
View answerA full time firefighter is statutorily required to retire at age 55 under the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. This retirement age is set at 55 due to the physically demanding nature of the fire-fighter role. The retirement age for retained fire fighters is 55 with an extended period to age 58, subject to a formal application process including a compulsory medical assessment.
The enactment of the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act 1989, underpinned by subsequent legislation, outlined in statute the duty of each fire authority, as an employer, to avoid placing employees at unnecessary risk. The retirement age was considered in this context given the physically demanding nature of the role.
A collective agreement was reached between the Local Government Management Services Board and the trade unions involved (SIPTU and ATGWU) in November 2002. This collective agreement provided, inter alia, for the appointment of an expert group which would advise on the retirement age for retained firefighters. The Report recommended that the retirement age for retained firefighters remain at 55, with provision for an annual extension, subject to medical assessment, up to 58 years of age. Following on from the Report a circular was issued by my Department in November 2003 setting out the age requirements in relation to retained firefighters.
In general, any major changes to the terms and conditions of fire-fighters, proposed by either management or unions are discussed and negotiated, as appropriate, under the established industrial relations processes. In this regard, I understand that the retirement age for firefighters was discussed recently as part of preliminary discussions on a range of issues at the Workplace Relations Commission, between the Local Government Management Agency (representing the employers) and SIPTU.
