Operational staff in Dublin fire brigade are to be paid their normal allowances when they avail of bereavement leave, in an agreement backdated to 1st January 2018. Fórsa took up the issue when it emerged that allowances were not initially covered, even though they make up a significant part of income for the staff concerned.

The problem emerged when improved bereavement arrangements were recently put in place. Operational fire staff in the council are now able to take 168 hours of leave – a period of seven days and seven nights – if they suffer the death of a spouse, civil partner or child.

They can avail of one week’s leave on the death of other immediate relatives, as defined by the agreement, and one day’s leave on the death of a more distant relation.

Read the full details HERE.