A new pay scale has been agreed for full-time local authority firefighters.

Acting Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin and Acting Environment Minister Alan Kelly have agreed the revised salary scale in principal.

It will address the current differences in pay for firefighters recruited since 2012.

The implementation of the revised pay scale will be the subject of consultations between management and unions.

In a joint statement, the two ministers say further initiatives are underway "aimed at achieving specific measures that will enhance the overall delivery of the fire-fighting service and fire safety by local authorities".