The Irish Fire and Emergency Services Association (IFESA ) said today (Tuesday) that a commitment from Social Protection Minister, Joan Burton that retained fire-fighters will be entitled to social welfare payments is important for the fire safety of communities throughout the countryThe Irish Fire and Emergency Services Association (IFESA ) said today (Tuesday) that a commitment from Social Protection Minister, Joan Burton that retained fire-fighters will be entitled to social welfare payments is important for the fire safety of communities throughout the country.

IFESA National Chairman, John Kidd said IFESA had warned that the treat to the social welfare payments of retained fire-fighters could drive hundreds of trained and committed fire-fighters from the fire service and increase the fire risk for the public and communities around the country.

‘IFESA made it very clear that part-time fire-fighters were being denied jobseeker's payments because their positions as fire-fighters mean they are limited in the jobs they can take on. Hundreds of the country's part-time fire-fighters – who make up well over two thirds of the national fire services, were affected by this situation and it was clearly going to impact seriously on the fire safety of local communities if these fire-fighters were forced to quit their posts.'

‘The clarification from Minister Burton that retained fire-fighters are entitled to social welfare payments when they are not working in other employment is a huge relief to these dedicated professionals who provide a vital community service.'

‘It has also been confirmed that the condition that retained fire-fighters must live within five minutes (or around 1.5 miles) of their station (the so-called ‘proximity clause') will not now be an issue for fire-fighters seeking social welfare. Up to now fire-fighters faced the loss of their unemployment benefit where they were forced to turn down a full-time job elsewhere, because it would mean taking them too far away from their station.'

‘The Minister is to be congratulated on adopting this practical approach to solving these problems. We also welcome the support from Sinn Féin, FF, and FG deputies on this issue.'

Media Contact : John Kidd, IFESA National Chairman 087-6588999

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