Eleanor Burnham AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Communities Minister has today raised the issue of the impact the abolition of Britain's opt-out from the Working Time Directive will have on retained fire-fighters across Wales.

Speaking from Wrexham, Eleanor said: "The Fire and Rescue Service is vital to the safety of communities throughout my region and all of Wales. The retained fire fighters are a key component of the service, especially in rural areas and must be safeguarded from any adverse implications of the Working Time Directive.

"These volunteer fire fighters provide a valuable and life-saving service and it is important that we make sure it continues to exist - for the safety of everyone in Wales.

"The suggested complications arising from the Working Time Directive must surely have been unintended and the European Parliament should dispose of them as soon as possible.

"By laying a Statement of Opinion I hope to raise awareness of this issue and make sure that we do not place the public at risk."

Eleanor is also encouraging everyone to sign the Scottish Liberal Democrats' UK-wide petition at http://www.keeptheoptout.com.

Notes: The Statement of Opinion reads:-

This Assembly:
Regrets the vote by the European Parliament to remove Britain's working time directive opt-out Notes with concern the removal will have on retained Firefighters across Wales and the consequences the removal may have on public health and safety

Notes that a considerable proportion of Firefighters are retained and the valuable service volunteer Firefighters provide

Notes that the Retained Firefighters Union opposes this removal and that if the opt-out is removed and RDS fire stations become unviable under the directive, 91% of the UK will lose valuable emergency fire cover

Notes the potentially fatal consequences for Welsh communities.