Courts / Dublin / Report
Hertz franchisee ordered to pay blind woman €10k over guide dog valet cleaning fee
Summary
The Workplace Relations Commission has ordered Ryan's Investments Unlimited Company, trading as Hertz Rent-A-Car, to pay €10,000 in compensation and issue an apology to applicant Kim Murphy. The adjudicator upheld Murphy's complaint of disability discrimination under the Equal Status Act 2000, finding that the franchisee's policy of imposing a €150 valet charge for hair shed by her guide dog, Django, placed her at a particular disadvantage. The tribunal determined that the company's refusal to waive the fee, despite being notified of the guide dog's presence, was unreasonable and failed to accommodate the needs of a person with a disability. Murphy alleged that her husband, Anthony Murphy, was charged for "damage" upon returning a rental vehicle from the Dublin Airport branch in April 2024, despite the dog being a trained service animal. The adjudicator directed the respondent to update its rental policies to accommodate similar customers. Sean Beatty BL represented the applicant, while Eve Bolster BL appeared for the franchisee. The decision constitutes a finalised sentence ordering the specified financial compensation and formal apology.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Hertz franchisee ordered to pay blind woman €10k over guide dog valet cleaning fee. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 3 April Hearing Or Sentence
- 2026-01-29 Publication
Why: Ms Murphy explained that her guide dog Django, a Labrador Retriever cross who had been her service animal for nine years, had sat in the passenger footwell when they travelled in the car. CNI source report
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