The FBU’s work to better understand fire contaminants, and their links to cancer and other diseases, has been a key focus of a debate in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The FBU’s DECON campaign, which aims to prevent and protect firefighters from the risks posed by toxic fire contaminants, was frequently mentioned in the debate, as was the University of Central Lancashire research the FBU commissioned on this subject – research which suggests that firefighters are more than four times likely to develop cancer than the general population.
The debate resulted in a motion recognising the risk to firefighters, and the need to protect against it, being passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly. The motion was amended to call for engagement with the Fire Brigades Union in implementing best practice here, and called for annual cancer screening for serving firefighters.
The proposer of the motion, the DUP’s David Hilditch MLA, highlighted the University of Central Lancashire research, and amender Sinn Féin’s Colm Gildernew MLA focussed on working with the FBU on best practice, with both areas also being covered by other members. The latter also said that “The dangers of life-threatening contaminations due to the work that they do is the reality of every firefighter's life. Firefighters are worthy of every tribute that is paid to them in the assembly”. These were sentiments widely echoed in the debate.
The Northern Ireland minister of health, Robin Swann MLA, responded to the debate by paying tribute to the “bravery, dedication and commitment” shown by firefighters, and stating that he was “committed to protecting our dedicated firefighters”. He also stated the fire and rescue service was working in partnership with the FBU in relation to DECON. In Northern Ireland the Department of Health has responsibility for the fire and rescue service.
The debate, which took place on Tuesday 11 October, was a special debate on Cancer Screening for Firefighters.
The debate was a significant show of cross-party unity in the Northern Ireland Assembly, with both the DUP and Sinn Féin contributing to and supporting the motion that was passed at the end of the debate, with SDLP, UUP, People Before Profit and Alliance members also speaking in support.
As the motion is a private member’s motion it is now for the relevant Northern Ireland minister to consider further steps.
You can watch the debate in full here: https://www.youtube.com/embed/tNSJlgHHZ0c?start=21930
