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'Apprehension of bias' in judge's overturning of traveller credit card discrimination case, High Court told
Summary
In March 2023 the High Court heard a challenge to a Circuit Court decision that overturned a Workplace Relations Commission finding that a hotel owned by Supermac's founder Pat McDonagh had discriminated against a Traveller family. The family, consisting of Bridget O'Reilly, her partner Philip O'Neill and two children, had been denied accommodation at the Charleville Park Hotel after booking online and presenting a debit card and a cheque. The hotel insisted a credit card in the name of the guest was required. The WRC awarded the family €22,000 for discrimination, but the Circuit Court set aside that finding, ruling the hotel's credit‑card policy was lawful. The family's lawyers now seek a judicial review, alleging the judge's conduct created a reasonable apprehension of bias, including the use of the term "itinerants" and praise of the hotel's witness. The High Court has adjourned the case to May pending a transcript of the Circuit Court hearing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Apprehension of bias' in judge's overturning of traveller credit card discrimination case, High Court told. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- September 2018 Other
- 30 September Hearing Or Sentence
- October 18 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-03-13 Publication
Why: The family claimed that the refusal constituted discriminatory treatment contrary to Equal Status laws because they were in receipt of Housing Assistance Payments and are members of the Traveller community. CNI source report
Places mentioned
- High Court
- The High Court
- The circuit court
- Charleville Park
Topics
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