There has been a breakthrough in pay talks for firefighters as the Government agrees to reverse cuts for new recruits.

Under the deal firefighters hired after 2012 will regain a €4,500 rent allowance which was scrapped at the time.

The outgoing Junior Minister Aodhan Ó Ríordáin has welcomed the breakthrough in the ongoing pay talks for firefighters.

Speaking on the announcement Senator Ó Ríordáin said, “I welcome the announcement agreement has been reached with members of the Fire Service. Firefighters are an integral and vital part of our emergency services, saving lives and property daily. It is absolutely the right decision that the vital and heroic lifesaving work they do is recognised not only in their working conditions, but also their pay packets”.

In return, firefighters have agreed to work on productivity and reform within the service aimed at achieving specific measures that will enhance the overall delivery of the fire-fighting service and fire safety by local authorities (known as Keeping Communities Safe).