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'I'm lost': Space commentator David Moore abandons tribunal hearing into dismissal claim
Summary
Space commentator David Moore abandoned a Workplace Relations Commission hearing into claims that a former manager at Astronomy Ireland breached workplace rights by "pocketing" money meant for the society. The tribunal had adjourned the case repeatedly since June 2024, and an adjudicator had criticised Moore's approach as "delay, delay, delay" and said the matter would "never be heard". Moore and a solicitor for Astronomy Ireland walked out of the hearing room after the adjudicator said he would press on, despite objections from the respondents. The claimant, Sonya Martin, had worked at the society's Ballycoolin office from 2021 to July 2023, resigned under stress, and filed complaints under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1995. Martin alleged that Moore and other committee members were personally attached to the case and that he had taken speaking‑fee revenue for himself.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'I'm lost': Space commentator David Moore abandons tribunal hearing into dismissal claim. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- July 2023 Other
- June 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 2022 Other
- 2025-05-02 Publication
Why: " Ms Martin said she was "horrified", because she had applied for State grants on behalf of Astronomy Ireland which required the governance of a board of directors. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Outcome: A Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) adjudicator told Mr Moore his approach to the case – which has been repeatedly adjourned since last June – had the appearance of "delay, delay delay" so that the matter would "never be heard".
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