Dublin Fire Brigade members are concerned about their retirement income and are calling for a review of their pension entitlements. They argue that changes made last year, while extending their working age, significantly reduce their expected pension income, leaving many facing financial hardship.
Members of Dublin Fire Brigade say their retirement arrangements leave them facing the prospect of surviving for years on a fraction of their full-time income. Firefighters Tom Larkin, Martin Hunt, Darren Whelan, and Derek Baitson submitted a letter to the Department of Housing and Environment on Tuesday seeking a meeting with the new Fianna Fáil Minister to discuss the issue.
They are seeking to have the pension entitlements of members of the uniformed services recruited after 2013 reviewed, a commitment they say the party made prior to the general election. Siptu organiser Geoff McEvoy said firefighters “felt a sense of betrayal when there was no mention of the issue in the recently published programme for government ”. Dublin Fire Brigade member Tom Larkin said he and his colleagues were hoping the Minister “can provide clarity and reassurance on the new Government’s position”. There are approximately 2,000 members of the retained fire service and about 1,200 members of the full-time one. Following changes implemented last year, firefighters can now work until they are 62, an increase from 55. However, Mr. McEvoy stated, “a firefighter making it even to 55 without some significant health issue has as good as won the lotto”. Many, he suggests, will be forced to retire at this age, the earliest permissible for pension withdrawal. Unfortunately, the income involved will be roughly half what those recruited before 2013 might have expected until they reach State pension age, leaving many facing years of financial hardship.“All we’re asking for them to do is what they said they would,” says Mr. McEvoy, “which is simply just take the issue seriously and have the review.” The firefighters are hoping the new Minister will honor the commitment made prior to the election and initiate a review of their pension entitlements. They believe this review is crucial to ensure their financial security during their retirement years.
FIRE BRIGADE RETIREMENT PENSIONS FINANCIAL HARDSHIP DUBLIN IRELAND GOVERNMENT
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