Members of the Dublin Fire Brigade Section of Fórsa’s Municipal Employees‘ branch have voted overwhelmingly in favour of an agreement covering a range of issues including the establishment of an option to extend the retirement age to 60.

Fórsa assistant general secretary Dessie Robinson explained there is a variance in the retirement age within Dublin Fire Brigade. "Fire fighters who joined the service before 1996 can continue working to 65 years of age. Those who joined the service after 1996 are required to retire at 55. Under the terms of this agreement the normal retirement age will remain at 55. Extension beyond that age will be by application and subject to satisfactory medical.”

The agreement, known as the ‘Sweeney Process’, also covers productivity, overtime rates, compensation agreement and stand down time.

The agreement followed discussions, facilitated by Sheamus Sweeney, between Dublin Fire Brigade management with Fórsa and SIPTU trade unions.

Dessie explained, “The discussions came about following a request to review the retirement age for fire brigade staff, which had varied between 55 and 65. The agreed process will require a change to retirement age legislation.

“The process covers a comprehensive menu of items that needed to be addressed. Members have backed this by a ballot so we expect discussions to implement these measures shortly,” he said.