Fine Gael TD for Donegal Joe Mc Hugh has voted against the Government on a Sinn Féin motion to address the recruitment and retention crisis within the retained fire service.
Deputy McHugh, who resigned the party whip last year over the mica crisis, sided with the Opposition by voting against a government amendment.
Sinn Féin’s motion called on the government to bring forward a financial investment package to fund a new framework for service delivery for retained fire services, to increase firefighters’ pay and create better conditions for current and future members. It also called on the government to urgently engage with representative bodies acting on behalf of the Retained Firefighters to avert an escalation of industrial action.
The government tabled a counter motion, which stated that the role of a Retained Firefighter is part-time, and was never intended to provide a full-time income.
Deputy McHugh voted against the counter motion on Wednesday evening. The Coalition won the vote by 71 to 62 votes.
Sinn Féin TDs Eoin Ó Broin and John Brady have accused Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien of “staggering arrogance” in his failure to engage with the party’s proposals designed to address issues at the heart of the recruitment and retention crisis within the retained fire service.
Teachta Ó Broin said: “Yet again this week, Darragh O’Brien has displayed staggering arrogance in his failure to engage on this issue, and the anger he has provoked was there for all to see when dozens of retained firefighters stood up and walked out of the Dáil public gallery in disgust on Tuesday night.
“These firefighters travelled from all over the state to Dublin to attend the debate, which was an opportunity for the government to bring forward meaningful proposals that could end the need for an all-out strike next week.
“Instead, they were treated with contempt by Minister O’Brien.
“I once again urge him to review his response to prevent an all-out strike across the state next week. He must act immediately to bring an end to this crisis. His failure to do so is putting lives at risk.”
