Annette Ryan contests unfair dismissal after bullying allegations

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Annette Ryan’s unfair dismissal case against her former employer was heard by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on 27 March 2025, after she was dismissed over allegations of bullying, harassment, intimidation and discrimination at University Hospital Waterford.

Four employees made separate complaints, and the company suspended Ms Ryan with pay while it investigated. A disciplinary hearing led to her summary dismissal, and her appeal was unsuccessful.

Ms Ryan denied the allegations, including that she told a co-worker, “You’re not Irish; you’re black.” She argued that she had not been given a proper opportunity to challenge her co-workers’ statements.

After hearing evidence from both sides, WRC adjudication officer Gaye Cunningham said she expected to issue a decision on the complaint within six weeks.