At the General Assembly of the National Federation of Fire Brigades in Echternach on Friday last, Interior Minister Dan Kersch announced the recruitment of 50 additional professional firefighters for 2017.
Minister Kersch highlighted remarks of the State Council on the bill instituting the reform of rescue services, particularly the safeguarding of municipal autonomy, the transfer of movable and immovable property and the future of the status granted to professional and volunteer firefighters.
Following constructive exchanges with the State Council of State and after some ten meetings within the Committee on Internal Affairs of the Chamber of Deputies, the legislative work culminated with the adoption of some 100 amendments dated 24 April 2017, so that reform could enter into force on 1 January 2018.
"The bill will introduce voluntary measures, in recognition of your daily involvement in relief services," the minister said. "The valorisation and recognition of volunteering is one of the real threads of the reform."
All monetary measures, such as allowances, recognition allowance and reimbursement of supplementary insurance will be exempt from tax. In addition, the reimbursement of the old-age and supplementary private health insurance are cumulative up to €1,600 per year, adjusted for the cost of living.
"In addition, it is important to ensure equal treatment between voluntary and professional firefighters," added the minister.
Finally, the Minister of the Interior, Dan Kersch, thanked the Federation for its ongoing commitment and support during the reform process.
