TRADE UNION SIPTU has said it has sought answers on whether social protection payments are being “deliberately blocked” for retained firefighters. 

It has claimed to have received reports across the country that its members are “having their payments refused because of the strike”. 

The 2,000-strong part-time service, who provides fire and first responder emergency services, has been engaged in industrial action for the past two months due to staffing numbers. 

Approximately one third of fire fighters – around 550 in all – are supported by social protection payments according to Siptu. 

Siptu has now written to the government’s Social Protection minister, Heather Humphreys, to highlight concerns that payments are not being processed. 

Siptu Sector Organiser, Brendan O’Brien, said clarification was needed from Humphreys. 

“We are receiving reports from across the country that retained firefighters are having their payments refused because of the strike,” O’Brien said. 

“Retained Fire Fighter work is part time and precarious, with firefighters available on an ‘if and when’ basis. They are on strike from this employment but remain available for other work in the normal way.”

The Department of Social Protection told The Journal that it is aware of a small number of letters issued to some retained firefighters with incorrect information in relation to their Jobseeker’s payments.

“No disallowances as a result of the industrial dispute have been implemented by the Department.

“These letters were issued in error and the Department is contacting the individuals concerned to clarify the position and apologise for any concern caused.”

The union said the payments were a “vital lifeline” to many retained firefighters who do not have second jobs.

Yesterday, Siptu’s national retained firefighter committee said that union members will “go dark” on Saturday morning, meaning there will be no internal communications with management other than life saving information.

The union has outlined how retained firefighters face needing to be available 24 hours per day, seven days per week throughout the year, with a staffing crisis now the result.