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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."