I want to raise the issue of the retained firefighters' negotiations for better pay and conditions. I understand that when they met the Local Government Management Agency, LGMA, very little progress was made because no discussions could take place on the substantive issue, which is about pay and conditions, because neither the Government nor the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform had given any authorisation to talk about money. This is a worrying trend. The model for the retained firefighters was introduced in the 1950s and is not fit for purpose in today's modern work environment. I was assured by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage last November in a Dáil debate that he was aware of the situation and that he was reviewing the matter with his Department. I am asking the Government to enter into meaningful discussions to resolve this pay-and-conditions issue to ensure that this vital service remains functional and that the retained fire service workers are recognised and rewarded for the great work they do.

My understanding is that Mr. Ultan Courtney was engaged by the LGMA at the behest of SIPTU to chair discussions. I also understand that a lot of progress was made during those discussions but, regrettably, it was not possible to reach a positive conclusion to the satisfaction of all parties. The Government would absolutely encourage all parties to continue to engage. Let us keep engaging constructively to resolve the outstanding industrial relations issues within that facilitation forum.