The pay increase being demanded by the North¿s Fire Brigades Union would take more than £50 Stg million from Northern Ireland's health budget, it was claimed tonight.
As the Stormont Assembly unanimously backed the union's call for greater pay, Health, Social Services and Public Safety Minister Bairbre de Brun warned that a 40% increase would have severe consequences.
Ms de Brún (Sinn Féin, West Belfast) told the Assembly: "Members must be clear about the implications of the 40% pay claim as it stands.
"It is likely that it would lead to an increase in annual public expenditure of some £14m Stg per annum with an immediate increase in pension liabilities of £40m Stg in the first year.
"It needs to be understood that the additional cost would have to be found from within the DHSSPS budget."
Ian Paisley Jr (DUP, North Antrim) tabling the motion, called on the government to "get real" in negotiations with the union and come up with a formula which will reward fire officers.
"Today this house must send out a certain message that firefighters and the control staff that guide them to their work deserve and have earned better pay," he said.
Mr Paisley clashed with Sinn Fein, adding that the actions of the IRA over 30 years of violence had put the lives of firefighters at risk and resulted in nine members being killed on duty. "I hope they are not going to use this debate to try and pose as champions of the fire service," he added.
But John Kelly (Sinn Féin, Mid Ulster) described his comments as disgraceful. "I think it's out of place for the proposer of this motion to indulge in a diatribe against those of us within this Assembly who are attempting to support the Fire Brigades Union.
"Again we see the hypocrisy of this group who will introduce the motion for firemen and then try to disrupt the debate concerning that motion. I think it's a disgrace," he said.
Members rejected an amendment from David Ervine (PUP, East Belfast) calling on the Assembly to support the union's demand for a wage of £30,000 Stg.
"Why not make it very simplistic, very clear and support the level of pay that the Fire Brigades Union is expressly asking for itself.
"In supporting that figure, what we are saying is that the shameful behaviour that is taking place in the negotiations to date must end," he said.
Instead, they accepted an amendment from Robert Coulter (UUP, North Antrim) calling for the introduction of a new pay formula.
Mr Coulter said: "There should be promotional possibilities for those ordinary firefighters within the pay scales which recognise skill and experience."
"We should be open and generous with these brave people who risk their lives on a regular basis."
PA
