Courts / Ireland / Report
Witness was told WRC chief said adjudicators who pushed for pay grade would never get interview, WRC hears
2026-03-06
Trial
Summary
Adjudicator Brian Dalton has adjourned the case. The matter is at the trial stage, involving complaints brought by Seamus Clinton under the Employment Equality Act 1998, the Protection of Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Act 2006, and the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 against the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. Witness Andrew Heavey testified that he was told WRC director-general Audrey Cahill allegedly stated that neither he nor Mr. Clinton would "ever get an interview or any jobs" in the agency while she was in charge. Heavey alleged this remark explained why he and Clinton were not shortlisted for regional manager posts, attributing it to their roles as shop stewards during a campaign for job re-grading. The State contended that the departing official who relayed the comments may have had "an axe to grind" against Ms. Cahill and argued that Mr. Clinton did not meet the definition of a staff representative. Paul Malone, deputy general secretary of the AHCPS, described the employer's shortlisting process as "extraordinary" and noted a "hostile" attitude toward the regrading process. Mr. Clinton was cross-examined regarding the contemporaneity of his diary notes and his expectations of being shortlisted. He maintained that his claim was backed by documentary evidence. No plea, finding, sentence, or final disposal was recorded, as the proceedings were adjourned.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Witness was told WRC chief said adjudicators who pushed for pay grade would never get interview, WRC hears. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- October 2024 Other
- 2 April 2025 Other
- July 2023 Other
- 2026-03-06 Publication
Why: Giving evidence before a hearing of the employment tribunal today (FRI), witness Andrew Heavey said it was his belief that the alleged remark explained why he and fellow adjudicator Seamus Clinton were not shortlisted for interview for management jobs at the WRC. CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: Adjudicator Brian Dalton has adjourned the case.
Applicant
Outcome: Adjudicator Brian Dalton has adjourned the case.
Topics
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