A firefighting strike is a time of national emergency and, according to the Irish Government, has already been triggered in several places.
The Government says there is a need to provide emergency firefighting services to the population and that firefighting work is the only way to protect people and property.
There is also a need for the use of water and smoke as well as air and ground support.
However, this is a political decision that is not legally binding and it is unclear how the Government will enforce it.
The Government said it will consult with the Irish Fire Brigade (IFB) before deciding on a date for the strike. “
I am aware that there is an increasing demand for firefighting in the country, but there are also many circumstances where firefighting will be necessary to protect the public and property.”
The Government said it will consult with the Irish Fire Brigade (IFB) before deciding on a date for the strike.
The Irish Independent is not naming the organisations involved in the strike because it is a private contract and the union is not commenting on it.
This article was amended on 6 February 2016 to clarify that the Government’s decision to strike was not legally enforceable.
The headline has been changed to reflect that the decision was not legal and the original article stated it was.