Bernard Gilroy loses disability discrimination claim at WRC

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

Bernard Gilroy’s disability discrimination complaint against Decathlon was rejected by the Workplace Relations Commission, following a hearing on 8 June 2022.

Gilroy said he entered the retailer’s shop on 19 August 2020 without a face covering because he had a disability that made wearing one difficult. Decathlon staff asked him to wear a mask or explain his exemption; according to Gilroy, a manager later told him he could remain in the shop.

The adjudication officer found that Gilroy had not established a prima facie case of discrimination. She recorded that no medical evidence had been given to Decathlon at the time and that he had been allowed to enter, remain in and leave the shop as he chose.

The WRC decision, dated 20 September 2022, found that Gilroy was not discriminated against on disability grounds under the Equal Status Acts.