Courts / Ireland / Report
Teagasc advisor claims gender bias over Ploughing Championships expenses
2026-05-20
Hearing Or Decision
Summary
A Teagasc adviser, Mary Roache, has filed a claim of gender discrimination against the farm development agency, alleging that her expenses for attending the National Ploughing Championships in 2024 were not covered, unlike those of a male colleague. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) heard her case under the Employment Equality Act 1998, and she also withdrew a separate complaint about whistleblower penalisation. Her legal team argued that the non-payment of her expenses was discriminatory and that she was entitled to a determination of both complaints. The adjudicator noted that the protected disclosures matter was unclear, and Roache confirmed the withdrawal of that complaint, leaving only the equality matter live. The hearing was adjourned pending further legal submissions from the complainant side.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Teagasc advisor claims gender bias over Ploughing Championships expenses. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- 8 October 2024 Other
- August 2025 Other
- April 2024 Other
- 2026-05-20 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: Mr O'Brien has adjourned the hearing pending further legal submissions from the complainant side.
Applicant
Outcome: Mr O'Brien has adjourned the hearing pending further legal submissions from the complainant side.
Topics
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request