Tribunal hears Nicholas Keogh’s pay was restored in 2016

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

The Disclosures Tribunal heard that Garda Nicholas Keogh’s pay was restored and backdated in October 2016, after his sickness absences were recorded as work-related stress. The proceedings were reported on 18 February 2020.

The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, was investigating whether Keogh was targeted, harassed, undermined or bullied after he made a protected disclosure on 8 May 2014.

In late 2015, Keogh’s pay was reduced after he had been sick for 183 days over four years. His absences had been incorrectly recorded as flu or viral illness, although his GP had submitted certificates for work-related stress.

HR Chief Superintendent Tony McLoughlin told the tribunal about his dealings with Keogh. In an email to Garda HR and management, McLoughlin said reducing pay while awaiting a decision increased stress and exacerbated the problem. He told the tribunal that Keogh had a right to have his pay restored.