SIPTU members in Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) have served notice of industrial action due to safety concerns over the introduction of new dispatch technology
A new emergency callout system that excludes ambulance services will ‘endanger lives’ if implemented, union officials have warned.
SIPTU members in Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) have served notice of industrial action due to serious safety concerns over the introduction of new dispatch technology.
The Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) software would bring all fire brigades around the country under the one system. However, ambulances would operate outside of CAD, despite Dublin Fire Brigade also providing emergency paramedic services.
“Our members are seriously concerned that the proposed implementation of this new CAD system will severely undermine the effectiveness of emergency services in the Dublin area,” said SIPTU organiser Geoff McEvoy.
“Entrusted with protecting the safety of the public, they believe this action by the Department will endanger lives. As a result, 97 per cent of Dublin Fire Brigade members, firefighters and officers, have voted in favour of industrial action.
SIPTU also accused the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage of failing to consult with Dublin Fire Brigade when deciding to implement the new system.
“Every emergency service has a CAD system, which allows call-takers to see where resources are and mobilise them effectively. The Department wants every fire brigade on one national CAD system,” said SIPTU Dublin Fire Brigade Convenor, Luke McCann.
“The problem is this system will only cover fire and rescue calls, not ambulance services. Its extension to Dublin will have severe consequences, because Dublin Fire Brigade also provides vital ambulance and paramedic services.
“The fire-based emergency medical service allows fire and ambulance resources to be dispatched simultaneously and provides critical lifesaving care in daily emergencies, including high-profile incidents such as the tragic attack on schoolchildren in Parnell Square in November 2023.
“In that case, paramedics were on site within minutes because a Dublin Fire Brigade resource was nearby. The new system would not allow for this level of response, adding a dangerous new risk factor to the system.”
He added: “We raised these concerns with the Minister previously. And there are serious questions to be asked about decision making in the Department. How such a flawed proposal has progressed without proper consultation with frontline staff is deeply alarming.”
In a statement, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage did not explain why ambulance services were excluded from the new CAD system, but said that the national platform is designed to ‘maximise public safety, underpinned by a resilient architecture’.
The statement added: “While Minister [James] Browne has no direct involvement in this dispute, he hopes that Dublin Fire Management and the Unions can agree a way forward to enable the full implementation of the new system which brings benefits both in terms of public safety and resilience.”