Courts / Dublin / Report

Ex-head of UN migrant office 'reassigned because of her behaviour in Ireland', tribunal told

Date
2025-07-16
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

The former head of the United Nations' migrant assistance bureau in Dublin, Charlene Maleady, claims she was constructively dismissed after the IOM reassigned its chief of mission, Lalini Veerassamy, citing her behaviour in Ireland. Maleady, who rose from intern in 2011 to a €67,000‑a‑year national protection and programme officer, alleges that Veerassamy increased working hours, sent late‑night messages, and pressured staff, leading to 13 complaints and her eventual reassignment. She reports that after her maternity leave her role was advertised and her desk reassigned, leaving her with only one project. Maleady pursued grievances through UN human resources, an ombudsperson, ethics and conduct, and the Office of the Inspector General, but resigned in September 2023 and joined the Irish civil service. The IOM invoked diplomatic immunity, arguing a 2015 cooperation agreement, while the Workplace Relations Commission heard the case and will issue a decision in due course.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Ex-head of UN migrant office 'reassigned because of her behaviour in Ireland', tribunal told. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Why: The former head of the United Nations' migrant assistance bureau in Dublin was "reassigned because of her behaviour in Ireland" after over a dozen staff complaints and resignations, a tribunal has been told. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Trial

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