A Kerry Senator has said firefighter shouldn’t be forced to retire at 62 years of age if they’re fit to serve.
Fine Gael senator Mike Kennelly has called on the relevant Minister, James Browne, to allow retained firefighter to continue serving until they’re 66.
He says currently, retained firefighters can stay on beyond 55, subject to annual medical and fitness checks, but they must retire at 62 no matter how fit they are.
Senator Kennelly said forcing fit, experienced firefighters out at 62 is counterproductive, and risks weakening emergency response in communities that can’t afford to lose that capacity.
The Fine Gael senator said he has asked the Minister to introduce a pause on compulsory retirements at 62 until the regulations are changed.
