Courts / Clare / Report

Therapist wins €105k for 'egregious' dismissal after 'entirely false' allegations

Date
2026-01-22
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Ennis
County
Clare

Summary

Workplace Relations Commission adjudicator Brian Dalton ruled in favour of therapist Nora Martin, awarding her €105,567.38 for unfair dismissal and employment rights breaches against Genesis Psychotherapy and Family Therapy Service Ltd. The adjudicator found that Martin's selection for redundancy was "not fair" and "tainted by a personal animus," describing the employer's conduct as "egregious." He determined there was "no evidence supporting any criminal wrongdoing" regarding fraud allegations related to a 2013 fundraiser, nor any case of bullying. Martin was awarded €90,000 for losses arising from unfair dismissal, €6,227 for non-payment of statutory notice, and €9,340.38 in unpaid wages. The adjudicator rejected the respondent's argument that the delay prejudiced the company, noting the employer had originally sought the 2017 adjournment pending a High Court defamation action. That defamation case remains live. Richard Trehy, the charity's finance manager, was a named subject in the proceedings; he was deceased by the time the WRC heard the substance of the complaint. The matter was previously adjourned in 2017 at the company's request, but the WRC proceeded to a final decision on the employment claims.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Therapist wins €105k for 'egregious' dismissal after 'entirely false' allegations. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Case subjects

Richard Trehy

Applicant

Outcome: Ms Martin's complaints were filed over a decade ago to the employment tribunal, and were adjourned in 2017 when the company asked for a stay on the outcome of the matter pending the conclusion of a a High Court defamation action brought by Ms Martin.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • High Court

Topics

Fraud Stage Hearing Or Decision

Related court reports

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