Courts / Cork / Report
Fire brigade 'beep test' biased against women, tribunal rules
Summary
A tribunal has ruled that the 'beep test' used by Cork Fire Brigade to assess aerobic fitness for prospective firefighters discriminates against women and benefits younger candidates. The test, which has been in use for 40 years, was challenged by Terézia Foott, a part-time firefighter in her 40s who failed to advance in a recruitment competition for a full-time position in November 2023. Ms Foott, a qualified sports therapist and personal trainer, passed all other elements of the fitness test but did not meet the required score on the beep test. The tribunal found that the test's 'one-size-fits-all' standard was indirectly discriminatory against women and gave younger candidates an advantage. Ms Foott argued that she met the required standard for her age and gender, and she later achieved a higher VO2 max score in a separate test. The tribunal ruled that the use of the beep test without adjusting for age and gender was discriminatory and ordered Cork Fire Brigade to pay €8,000 in compensation, €4,000 for gender discrimination and €4,000 for age discrimination.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Fire brigade 'beep test' biased against women, tribunal rules. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- November 2023 Other
- 17 November Other
- 2026-02-09 Publication
Why: Cork Fire Brigade has been ordered to pay €8,000 in compensation to Terézia Foott, a part-time firefighter aged in her 40s who failed to advance in a November 2023 recruitment competition for a full-time post because she didn't make the cut. CNI source report
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