Garda detective loses discrimination claim over motorcycle restriction

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

A Workplace Relations Commission adjudicator rejected a Garda detective’s equality complaint over a restriction on riding motorcycles, finding that An Garda Siochána did not discriminate against him in the manner alleged. The adjudicator also rejected a separate complaint of penalisation.

The detective, whose identity was withheld by the Commission, had hearing loss in his left ear and was allowed to perform firearms duties with special precautions. An assistant chief medical officer said motorcycle use posed too great a risk to his hearing, including because the detective’s right ear was normal and earplugs could pose concerns given his left ear’s tendency to accumulate fluid.

The detective’s representative argued that the restriction was discriminatory and that there was no evidence motorcycle noise posed an increased risk or impaired the detective’s ability to ride. The adjudicator found the assistant chief medical officer had consulted fully with the detective’s specialist and that there was no evidence the specialist’s information had been disregarded.