Courts / Ireland / Report
RTE newsreader withdraws unfair dismissal claim over drunken texts to younger colleague
2022-10-11
Hearing Or Decision
Summary
A former RTÉ newsreader, Noel Fogarty, withdrew his unfair dismissal complaint after drunken texts to a younger colleague were read at a Workplace Relations Commission hearing. Fogarty had claimed unfair dismissal under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 following his September 2021 sacking for gross misconduct. The texts, sent while intoxicated, were described as "utterly inappropriate" and "sexually harassing" by RTÉ's barrister Mairead McKenna SC. Fogarty admitted the messages were inappropriate but denied a sexual intent, citing excessive alcohol consumption. The hearing included testimony from the colleague, identified as 'Ms X', who described feeling uncomfortable, stressed, and physically affected by the messages. Fogarty accepted the inappropriateness, apologized, and requested alternatives to punitive sanctions. After deliberation, he formally withdrew his claim, signing the withdrawal papers before the hearing closed.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: RTE newsreader withdraws unfair dismissal claim over drunken texts to younger colleague. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 2022-10-11 Publication
Topics
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