as working firefighters they should all be in a position to pass ? If they fail then of course they shouldn’t be operating the equipment, there must be more to this story that we dont know. something odd is going on.

Senator John Kelly (Labour) said the following in session ,
There is a serious and potentially dangerous situation unfolding in County Roscommon as we speak. Yesterday, 14 firemen were taken off the payroll of Roscommon County Council for failing to attend a breathing apparatus refresher course. Every year they attend this course but there is a national proposal that the course would be done on the basis of a pass or fail mechanism although this has not been agreed nationally. By Wednesday, another tranche from Roscommon County Council will not attend the course until it is agreed nationally. It will also be taken off the payroll and we will not have sufficient cover in the event of an emergency.
The county council responded today in The Irish Times by saying it would like to reassure the public that despite the reduced numbers each fire brigade in the county is fully operational. That statement is ludicrous because six firemen are needed to mobilise a fire brigade. Most of the units in Roscommon will have five or fewer. It also admits that the case is before the Labour Relations Commission, yet it is trying to force the hand of the firemen by using heavy-handed and bullying tactics.
I gather the problem has been created by the ego of one man whom everybody knows and seems to be trying to settle scores. I cannot for the life of me understand how anybody could decide to shut down a fire department in a county. In most cases right across the country chief officers and assistant chief officers of the fire department have no practical training or experience at putting out fires. They would not know how to put out a cigarette butt, let alone a fire.
I call on the Leader to address this issue with the Minister, Deputy Hogan. The situation is quite serious and by Wednesday it could be disastrous unless it is dealt with. I would appreciate a response from the Leader.

To those who harp on about being suspended if they don’t attend a training course. Are those courses in life saving skills? Is you life at risk if the course is not delivered accurately? I would think not.
The fire fighters are right not to attend this course if they feel it is not up to standard. After all it is them who have to enter a burning building.
When your plucked from a cowering position under your bed by a fire fighter wearing BA gear, you’ll be damn glad he had got the proper training to use it.
I am not a fire fighter but I have worked alongside them and they are extremely competent and professional when carrying put their duties.

I don’t understand why they don’t take the course which I assume is so that they can use safer and more modern equipment?

If I refused to take a training course in my work I would likewise be suspended.

I applaud the suspended firefighters for being so brave and standing up against such arrogant “empire builders”!

You are in a life saving role and deserve only the best training and the best equipment and no one should put you in a position which may compromise both your own life but the lives of those you are there to protect!

Good luck to the 27 of you!

If and when the course has been set up correctly I am sure then that R.C.C. Will appreciate that by suspending and sacking their Fire Fighters was incorrect action . And as for having adequate cover for Roscommon emergencies from neighbours Counties my God that is a joke (sick)

I take offence the the innuendo behind your comment
These Fire Fighters witness horrific scenes of House fires car crashes they are called out in floods I do not think That you and most people could or would be able to do the fire fighters job as professionally with compassion and loyalty. Name calling is not appropriate

I agree they were right to be suspended. If I refused to do a training course in my work I would find myself in the same boat. I do not understand why they can’t complete the course and then bring up there issues with the powers that be afterwards. Those accountable think the course is suitable so I don’t see why it can’t be taken.

Stephen you prat

Course not coarse