Courts / Clare / Report
Eir drops plans to appeal landmark order to reinstate worker (65) forced into retirement
Summary
Telecoms company Eir has abandoned its intention to appeal a landmark decision by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) that ordered the reinstatement of 65‑year‑old Thomas Doolin, who had been forced into retirement last year. The WRC's ruling was the first time the tribunal invoked its power to direct a company to reinstate a worker under the Employment Equality Act 1998. While no compensation was awarded, the order required Eir to pay Doolin his salary for the period he was out of work, from 1 July to 30 November 2023. Doolin, who represented himself, claimed the mandatory retirement was unfair, whereas Eir argued it was justified on health and safety grounds and for succession planning. The WRC adjudicator, Breiffni O'Neill, found those reasons did not apply to Doolin, who worked exclusively in‑office in a small, non‑strategic IT department.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Eir drops plans to appeal landmark order to reinstate worker (65) forced into retirement. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 1 July Hearing Or Sentence
- 30 November 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-03-21 Publication
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