Courts / Ireland / Report

Former NAS paramedic alleges victimisation after making 'groping' allegation against colleague

Summary

A former paramedic with the National Ambulance Service (NAS) has alleged that she was victimised and forced to resign after making a complaint that she was groped by a male colleague. Rebecca Rigney claims that a supervisor told her not to report the incident, warning that it would ruin her career. When she did make a formal complaint, she says she was harassed and that a witness she intended to call was approached by the accused to request a character reference. She was denied access to witness statements and important documents, and after two-and-a-half years without resolution, she felt compelled to resign. The HSE denies the claims, stating that Ms Rigney has not provided a prima facie case for her employer to answer. They acknowledged delays due to the pandemic but denied any discrimination or victimisation. An internal investigation rejected her groping allegation three years after her initial complaint and six months after her resignation. The supervisor she accused denied any such conversation took place.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Former NAS paramedic alleges victimisation after making 'groping' allegation against colleague. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• January 2022 Other
• July 2023 Other
• July 2024 Other
• February 2022 Other
• 2026-04-16 Publication

Why: She said she did not immediately lodge a complaint because of the warning given to her by a supervisor but began a formal complaint procedure in January 2022. CNI source report

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report