Courts / Ireland / Report

Country Music promoter says there may have been 'error' in submission over payments to fiddler

Summary

Paul Claffey, promoter of the Michael English Band, says there may have been an "error" in a submission to a State body about payments to fiddler Matt McGranaghan. McGranaghan, who was dismissed by email in September 2021, has asked the Workplace Relations Commission to set aside findings by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that overturned a Department of Social Protection decision declaring him an employee. He argues the office accepted an "unsubstantiated" assertion that he was paid by Paul Claffey Tours Ltd, which he says never happened. Claffey's firm, MEPC Music Ireland Ltd, denies McGranaghan was ever an employee and claims he has no right to pursue a statutory complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977. McGranaghan's lawyer, Martin McMahon, has accused the firm's barrister of "playing to the gallery" and "barracking" witnesses. The hearing, conducted by adjudicator Caroline Reidy, is closed and a decision is expected in writing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Country Music promoter says there may have been 'error' in submission over payments to fiddler. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• September 2021 Other
• August 2021 Other
• Saturday 4 September 2021 Other
• 2024-01-31 Publication

Why: Under cross-examination by the company's barrister, Derek Ryan BL, appearing instructed by John Brady of Leetch & Co Solicitors, Mr McGranaghan said he did not attend when the SWAO heard the company's appeal because the office "wouldn't provide me with the test cases they've previously used" in determining appeals. CNI source report

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial

Read the original CNI report