TÓIBÍN - REMOVAL OF WELFARE FROM RETAINED FIRE FIGHTERS 'ABHORRENT'

Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín TD has described the removal of social welfare benefit from striking retained firefighters as 'abhorrent' and demanded the Department for Social Protection reinstate payments immediately

The Meath West TD said:

"I am appalled at the callousness of the Government in engaging in this abhorrent action against people who put their lives on the line for the community at a moments notice.

These fire fighters who are currently engaged in industrial action are being told that due to the part-time nature of their work and the implications of the strike, they are not deemed to be looking for employment and have had payments stopped.

The retainer fee for new members of the service is only around €8,500, requiring most to either have another job or seek social welfare to top up their income.

At a time when so many are experiencing the sharp end of the cost of living crisis, this action by the Department is totally unacceptable and I will be engaging with officials without delay to seek to rectify this situation."

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.