James Lawless
Ceist:278. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to examine a matter (details provided); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20437/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 8 May 2024
Ceisteanna (278)
Freagraí scríofa
I was pleased to announce on 12 April that I secured approval for an increase in the mandatory retirement age for both full-time and retained firefighters up to the age of 62, details of which can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/eea5a-mandatory-retirement-age-for-full-time-and-retained-firefighters-to-rise-to-62/.
This extension of the mandatory retirement age up to 62 will serve to further strengthen fire services, not only through the retention of long serving personnel during a period of change but will also allow the opportunity for that knowledge and expertise of existing experienced personnel to transfer to new recruits at their regular training, drill nights and operationally where it matters most.
This is the latest in a number of initiatives aimed at improving retention and recruitment within the retained fire services. Local authorities are implementing WRC recommendations that will see an increase in retained firefighter numbers, structured time off, flexibility to attend calls and guaranteed fixed minimum earnings.
This increase in the mandatory retirement age in the uniformed services, including the fire services, will be facilitated by amendments to the relevant pension legislation to be brought forward by the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. This is being brought forward as a priority and it is expected that the relevant Bill will be published shortly and that the necessary legislative provisions can be enacted before the Dáil summer recess.
My Department has been exploring transitional arrangements for those who will reach the age of 60 before the legislation is enacted and I am pleased to be able to confirm that the current transitional arrangements will be extended to allow these retained fire fighters to be employed on a contract basis up to age 62, pending enactment of the legislation. My Department will issue an updated circular to this effect in the coming days.
I have asked my Department to explore the issues raised in the details provided alongside the Question, which relate to the calculation of the gratuity paid to retained firefighters. These matters relate to complex provisions in the relevant legislation and my Department is exploring these matters in detail in consultation with the Department for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.