A 39-year-old woman from Dublin pleaded guilty to three counts of making threats to kill or cause serious harm and to the production of a samurai sword at her home in May 2021. During the incident, she threatened to cut the legs off of gardai and her former partner while waving the sword out of an upstairs window. The woman, who cannot be named to protect the anonymity of her children, was in a highly distressed and agitated state, reportedly intoxicated and behaving erratically. She had a history of mental health issues, was prescribed antidepressants, and had a history of suicidal ideation. The court heard that she had 25 previous convictions, including 21 for road traffic offences and one for a drugs offence and robbery. The woman's relationship with her former partner was described as volatile, and he was also taking drugs. The woman later left the property and went to live with her mother, while her two younger children are currently in care.
A senior Aer Lingus manager, Captain Colm Wynne, told a tribunal that a 'spelling mistake' on his part reversed the meaning of his finding in a disciplinary probe involving a pilot, Declan McCabe. McCabe was demoted from training captain to flight officer in 2024 and told he would 'never' be allowed to conduct training again as a disciplinary sanction. The tribunal heard that McCabe disputes the company's view that he was obliged to file a safety report after an incident involving an Airbus A320. McCabe said the relevant Aer Lingus manual left it up to his judgment to decide whether to report it. The tribunal heard that a senior manager in flight operations, Captain Colm Wynne, wrote to McCabe about an inquiry from Air Nav Ireland, but McCabe wrote directly to the regulator without copying Wynne on the correspondence. McCabe said he was concerned about 'retribution' from Wynne about filing safety reports arising from an earlier dispute with his employer. The case has been adjourned overnight.
A deafblind man, David Eccles, is challenging the refusal of legal aid by the Legal Aid Board in the High Court. He is seeking to pursue a discrimination claim against the HSE for not providing an Irish Sign Language interpreter to assist him in learning braille. Eccles has Usher Syndrome Type 1, which has caused him to lose his hearing and vision progressively. He relies on ISL to communicate and requires an interpreter to access braille training. The HSE's health contractor, Vision Ireland, refused to fund an interpreter, preventing Eccles from participating in the training. Eccles argues that this refusal constitutes direct discrimination under the Equal Status Act 2000 and the Constitution. He is unemployed and dependent on social welfare, making it impossible for him to afford legal representation. The High Court granted permission for the legal challenge, acknowledging the logistical difficulties faced by Eccles in pursuing the case. The matter is adjourned to July for further proceedings.
An accountant, Siobhán McDonagh, who claimed her employer laughed at her when she asked about her redundancy package, has won over €25,000 in compensation for unfair dismissal. McDonagh, who worked for James P McCann Ireland Ltd for 17 years, was made redundant in January 2026. She alleged that her employer, Jim McCann, told her she would have to claim her redundancy from the State. Despite receiving her redundancy from the Social Protection Fund, McDonagh believed the company was doing well. The tribunal heard that the company was in extreme financial difficulties, with only two arcades remaining in Dublin. The adjudication officer found that the company had significant procedural defects in the termination, including no meaningful consultation or selection process. McDonagh was awarded €25,177.62 for unfair dismissal.
The Women of Honour CLG has initiated a High Court judicial review against Defence Minister Helen McEntee, Ireland, and the Attorney General, challenging the State's refusal to fund the group's legal teams for a tribunal investigating bullying, harassment, and sexual assault allegations within the Defence Forces. The group, represented by Mark Harty SC, argued that the State's decision creates a "fundamental inequality of arms" and "fundamental unfairness." They submitted that while the State and the Defence Forces, who are the subjects of the complaints, are fully funded, the complainants face potential cost denial despite being voluntary participants assisting the tribunal's fact-finding. Mr Harty contended that denying funding acts as a structural barrier to participation and renders the right to representation illusory, as witnesses may face reputational scrutiny. He further argued that the State cannot rely on tribunal limitations to avoid ensuring effective participation. The tribunal, which began this week, is scheduled to continue for 33 days. In her decision, Ms Justice Sara Phelan put all respondents on notice and adjourned the matter to appear before the judicial review list again at the High Court next week.
A special needs assistant has claimed she was forced out of her job at a south Dublin school due to mistreatment from parents who objected to her wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf. Sarah O'Mahony alleges that management failed to protect her from mistreatment by parents who objected to her clothing. She brought complaints under the Unfair Dismissals Act and the Employment Equality Act, relying on the protected ground of nationality and race based on her association with people of Palestinian ethnicity. Her lawyer argued that the school put pressure on her to stop wearing the scarf and that this led to her taking a leave of absence and ultimately resigning. The school is contesting the case, and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has given the parties four weeks to submit legal submissions. O'Mahony's solicitor initially wanted both complaints to remain live but later withdrew the Unfair Dismissals case. The WRC administrators extinguished the equality claim, but O'Mahony's solicitor filed a new equality complaint out of caution. The case is ongoing, and the WRC will require written submissions before proceeding further.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) awarded €14,262 to applicant Krzysztof Bonarek, finding that his dismissal by Sean Doyle Windows Ltd in November 2024 constituted penalisation for safety complaints. Adjudication officer Davnet O'Driscoll determined that the termination breached the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, directing the firm to pay €11,200 in compensation for this penalisation. The WRC noted that Mr Bonarek had reported that the company van's brakes were not working properly to management, specifically Sean Doyle Jnr, and subsequently had the vehicle inspected by a mechanic who found it in poor repair. Following this, Mr Bonarek was told he was being laid off and later informed his position was terminated due to insufficient work. The respondent argued the dismissal was for performance reasons and that the applicant had agreed to immediate termination in exchange for a reference. However, the adjudication officer found no evidence of a disciplinary process, redundancy notice, or consultation, describing the situation as unusual. The officer concluded the dismissal was unfair on procedural grounds and amounted to penalisation. Additional redress was awarded for breaches of the Payment of Wages Act 1991 and the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994, bringing the total award to €14,262. Counsel for the applicant was Darach McNamara BL, and for the respondent, Cillian McGovern BL.
A preliminary hearing at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) was adjourned in a dispute between Frank Purcell, Purcell's Wrc, and the Augustinian Order. Mr. Purcell, a volunteer security officer at St Augustine's Church in Limerick City, filed a complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, alleging he was dismissed after warning church authorities that "rogues" intended to sell "fake relics." The Augustinian Order's legal representatives objected to the tribunal hearing the substance of the case, arguing that Mr. Purcell had no standing under employment legislation because he was unpaid, with his WRC form listing gross weekly wages as €0.00. They contended the matter was not an employment issue but a dispute between parties. Mr. Purcell's counsel countered that the Protected Disclosures Act recognizes volunteers and that Mr. Purcell suffered penalisation for his disclosure after 16 years of service. Adjudication Officer Peter O'Brien noted the lack of compensation evidence and suggested the issue might be better resolved outside an industrial relations tribunal. The officer invited written legal submissions on the respondent's objection and closed the hearing, meaning the matter was adjourned rather than concluded.
A CFO has been awarded her full losses of €60,000 after her ex-employer failed to provide a reason for her dismissal, causing her significant difficulty in finding new employment. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled that Horizon Controls Ltd must pay Helen Nason this amount under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977. Nason was informed of her dismissal without any explanation, and she was cut off from the company's systems immediately. The tribunal noted that the company had financial difficulties and that Nason had warned the CEO about risks in an investment. Despite this, she was dismissed due to redundancy, but the company admitted the process was flawed. Nason applied for 146 positions during her six-month job search, and the adjudicator found that the lack of a reason for her dismissal caused her significant difficulty in finding re-employment. The company argued that Nason should not have been out of work for six months, but the adjudicator found that her efforts to mitigate her losses were reasonable and that the failure to provide a reason was unreasonable.
A stable worker, Valentine Jevardat De Fombelle, has won over €4,500 for multiple employment rights breaches against a horse dealer. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) upheld statutory complaints under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000, the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, and the Payment of Wages Act 1991 against TG Sporthorses Ltd. Jevardat De Fombelle, a French national, worked 60-hour weeks and was regularly required to work over the legal maximum number of hours. She was paid on a monthly basis and was left short by €2,815 in wages. The adjudication officer awarded her €2,815 under the Payment of Wages Act, €500 in compensation for a breach of the National Minimum Wage Act, €750 for excessive working hours, and €500 for the failure to pay a Sunday premium. The total awarded to Jevardat De Fombelle in the case was €4,565.
The operator of the Generator Hostel in Dublin has been ordered to provide staff training on equality law following a complaint by a guest who alleged she was intimidated by a naked woman in her dorm room. Vanessa Corral claimed she experienced sexual harassment and victimisation in December 2024 and filed a complaint under the Equal Status Act 2000 against Generator Properties Dublin Ltd. She described encountering a fully naked female guest at the hostel in Smithfield, Dublin 7, and said she was shocked and told the woman her behaviour was inappropriate. The woman became angry, and Corral felt intimidated and threatened, leading her to leave. The receptionist dismissed her concerns, calling the behaviour a cultural matter. Corral mentioned making a complaint to the WRC or gardaí, but the receptionist became aggressive and threatened her with removal from the premises. She was moved to another room but not allowed to extend her stay. Corral felt she was effectively banned without justification and claimed she was victimised for reporting the harassment.
The High Court has ruled that a District Court judge erred in law when he refused to convict thirty-four drivers caught speeding at Clogheen, Monasterevin in County Kildare. In December 2024, Judge Andrew Cody found the facts proven but declined to record convictions, describing the 60km/h speed zone as unjust and criticising prosecutions as motivated by targets and finance rather than safety. The Director of Public Prosecutions sought judicial review of four lead cases. Mr Justice Cian Ferriter found the judge's approach unlawful, stating a court must record a conviction when facts are proven. The judge's role was to apply existing law, not to question its correctness. Mr Justice Ferriter noted the judge's comments breached fair procedures and could create reasonable apprehension of predetermination. However, none of the thirty-four drivers opposed the DPP's action. The DPP adopted a sensible approach by not requesting remittal to District Court, meaning none will receive convictions or penalty points.
A tribunal has recommended that a company pay €50,000 in compensation to a senior employee who was sacked six months after relocating to Ireland for a job. The employee complained about her manager's behaviour, only to be terminated immediately without prior warning or any performance review. The adjudicator, Christina Ryan, called the dismissal a serious departure from fair procedures, noting the lack of any process and the abrupt nature of the termination. The employee, who had no prior warning of any issues with her conduct or performance, struggled to find new work and believed her short tenure had damaged her employability. The tribunal recommended the payment of €50,000, reflecting the employer's conduct, the abrupt dismissal, the employee's seniority, and the fact that she had relocated internationally for the job. The company did not attend the tribunal hearing and objected to the proceedings through its solicitors.
The High Court has granted a stay on a notice of dismissal against a garda convicted of assaulting his then-wife. Mr Justice Sara Phelan approved the stay, which suspends dismissal proceedings until 14 July. The garda, based in Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in April 2025 to assault in October 2012 and received a three-month suspended sentence in January 2026. Following conviction, An Garda Síochána Commissioner issued a dismissal notice in February, citing necessity to maintain public confidence. The applicant's legal representatives challenged the dismissal through judicial review, contending the Commissioner acted unlawfully and that the circumstances did not warrant dismissal under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. Counsel argued the garda was denied access to comparator cases and that standard disciplinary procedures remained available. The applicant, now a regular garda under suspension, was granted leave to pursue the judicial review challenge.
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.
A company, Brendan Vacations Ireland Ltd, has been ordered to pay €40,789 to a former employee, Shulammite Awotundun, after she was unfairly made redundant and later lost another job due to the company's failure to complete a reference questionnaire. Awotundun was let go from her position as a travel consultant on Christmas Eve 2024, despite having a job offer by February 2025. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found the redundancy was unfair, citing a lack of genuine grounds and procedural flaws. After being made redundant, Awotundun was unable to secure a new job because Brendan Vacations did not complete the reference questionnaire requested by her new employer. The company's failure to communicate its policy of only providing a statement of service led the new employer to draw adverse inferences, resulting in Awotundun losing the job. The WRC adjudicator, Breiffni O'Neill, ruled that the company's actions were a direct cause of Awotundun's financial losses.
A veteran construction manager who was sacked after 45 years at Murphy International Limited for using the company's resources to build his son's house has lost his claim for unfair dismissal. Dermot Murphy, who was plant operations manager since 1989, was found to have facilitated the unauthorized use of company plant, equipment, and materials for his son's house. The tribunal rejected his complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, noting that the company's investigation showed he had assisted in procuring equipment and materials for his son. The court found that the dismissal was both substantively and procedurally fair. Murphy claimed it was common practice to use company resources for personal use, but the tribunal did not accept this. The company's security manager presented tracking data showing 62 deliveries to the house site and eight pieces of plant left there for 273 days. The adjudication officer concluded that Murphy had assisted in the unauthorized use of company resources.
Lawyers for the University of Limerick (UL) have informed the High Court that there is no legal barrier to the university initiating a new investigation into former president Professor Kerstin Mey, who was previously alleged to have misled a Government finance committee. Prof Mey's legal team has argued that the allegation of misleading the Dáil Public Accounts Committee (PAC) cannot be revisited, as she has already been vindicated by a prior investigation and a settlement agreement has been reached. In response, UL's legal representatives stated that no absolute relief was granted to Prof Mey following the previous investigation and that the university is entitled to consider new evidence as it emerges. They also denied that the re-investigation is a pre-text for disciplinary action, insisting the university is acting in good faith. Prof Mey has applied for a High Court injunction to prevent the new investigation. She resigned as UL president in 2024 as part of the settlement agreement, following threats of disciplinary action over due diligence and adherence to policies during the purchase of a 20-house development in Rhebogue, Co Limerick. The university paid €12.5 million for the development, which was later valued at €6.5 million. Prof Mey's legal team has argued that the matter cannot be re-investigated due to the settlement agreement, while UL's legal representatives have stated that the settlement allows for the consideration of new evidence. The case is currently under review by the High Court, with the judge reserving her judgment on the matter.
A single mother of three, Monsurat Balogun, has secured an admission that her dismissal from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) was unfair. Balogun was dismissed in March 2025 with one month's notice, citing gross misconduct, but no details were provided. She discovered her dismissal through a system error and was cut off from the company's systems. Balogun was unable to appeal internally due to the lockout and faced financial difficulties, having to pull her children out of afterschool activities. The RCPI conceded the unfairness of the dismissal, and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) tribunal heard that the employer acknowledged the process was flawed. Balogun struggled to find work in her field and had to retrain as a healthcare assistant. The adjudication officer noted the impact of the dismissal and the employer's admission of wrongdoing. The WRC will determine compensation, with the employer not offering reinstatement.
The High Court heard arguments regarding an application by former University of Limerick (UL) president Professor Kerstin Mey for an injunction to prevent a new investigation into an allegation that she misled the Dáil Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Counsel Marcus Dowling SC, appearing with Christopher McMahon BL, argued before Ms Justice Marguerite Bolger that the matter cannot be revisited because Prof Mey was previously vindicated by a Special Disclosures Group investigation and the parties reached a settlement. This settlement, agreed in 2024, included her resignation from the presidency and a clause warranting no disciplinary action. The proposed re-investigation, initiated in May 2025, concerns alleged conflicting accounts regarding the non-attendance of UL's chief corporate officer, Andrew Flaherty, at a May 2023 PAC meeting. Prof Mey's affidavit states the initial investigation found no wrongdoing on her part. Counsel submitted that UL has no legal obligation to re-open settled matters and that the settlement was final. The hearing was adjourned to allow UL's counsel, Brian Kennedy SC, to address the court.
A barman, Sean Murphy, has been awarded €10,000 in compensation after a ruling by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found that a remark made by his boss, Barry Hennessy, violated his dignity at work. The incident occurred during a busy shift in February 2025 at the Hunted Hog bar in Castlemartyr, Co Cork, when Mr Hennessy reportedly told a customer, "Ah never mind him, he doesn't be with it half the time." Mr Murphy, who has diabetes, described the comment as "humiliating" and damaging to his dignity. He had been working for over five hours without a break, and the remark was made openly in the restaurant. Mr Murphy claimed that the working conditions at the bar were unsuitable for his health and that the comment, along with the broader working environment, amounted to discrimination on age and disability grounds. Mr Hennessy denied that the remark was intended to belittle Mr Murphy, stating it was made in a "jovial, lighter manner" to manage customer expectations.
A pizza chef, Syed Saeed Akhtar, who was dismissed after allegedly making inappropriate comments to young girls and sending "creepy" texts to a 16-year-old customer, has lost his challenge against the dismissal. The Workplace Relations Commission heard that Akhtar made "creepy" remarks to girls as young as 12, calling them "little princesses" and making lewd gestures. He was given a verbal warning by the shop owner, Jin Hintao, after these incidents. However, the following month, it was discovered that Akhtar had used the company's customer database to send inappropriate texts to a 16-year-old girl, including a message asking, "What u have plan for weekend?" The girl's mother confronted Akhtar, who claimed he had intended to send the message to an adult woman and called it a "total mistake." Akhtar admitted to sending the text but denied the verbal warning. The adjudicator, Lefre de Burgh, ruled that the dismissal was both procedurally and substantively fair, stating that texting the 16-year-old girl was "gross misconduct" justifying summary dismissal.
A grieving Garda sergeant, Sgt Laura Gaffey, has submitted a judicial review application to the High Court, alleging bullying and discrimination within An Garda Síochána following the death of her son. She claims that a superior officer made a discriminatory comment, stating, "I suppose you thought you would get a consolation prize for losing your son," after she applied for a new position following her child's death. Sgt Gaffey, who has 18 years of experience, alleges ongoing bullying by a supervising inspector since 2018, including criticism for taking maternity leave. She further claims that her complaints led to a data breach, with sensitive personal information being shared without her consent. Sgt Gaffey also alleges that she was intentionally undermined in her role, not provided with necessary equipment, and faced hostile treatment from another superior officer. Although an internal panel cleared the officer of bullying, Sgt Gaffey claims the process involved a breach of her privacy, including references to her mental health and the death of her son.
A former accountant pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to theft and deception offences committed over six weeks in early 2025. Michelle Dillon, aged 59 and homeless, stole a bank card and medical card from an elderly patient at a Dublin hospital on 20 February. She subsequently travelled to Cork, Clare, Meath, Westmeath and Wicklow, presenting herself as the legitimate account holder at various banks to withdraw approximately €8,000 in cash. She also made contactless payments totalling €133. Withdrawals occurred in Cork city, Bray, Dublin city centre, Navan, Athlone and Ennis. When presenting at an AIB branch in Navan on 4 March, a warning mark was active on the account, yet she convinced staff she was the genuine holder. She was arrested in October 2025 at Cavan General Hospital after presenting under a false name. The victim's bank refunded all monies. Judge Elma Sheahan described the initial theft as despicable and the subsequent deceptions as planned, premeditated and brazen.
A former Google employee, Eyob Van Haute, failed in his equality claim against the company, alleging racial discrimination in performance management processes. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) rejected his complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998, stating he failed to provide sufficient evidence of discrimination. Van Haute claimed he was placed on performance improvement plans despite scoring higher than a colleague who was not subjected to the same process. He argued that the company's performance management was inconsistent and that other black employees were treated similarly. The adjudicator found no evidence of discrimination and ruled in favor of Google. Van Haute's lawyer argued that the company selectively used context to explain weaker performance. The WRC concluded that Van Haute had not established a prima facie case of discrimination.
A barrister has compared a garda search of a Dublin apartment to the surveillance methods of the East German Stasi, as depicted in the film The Lives of Others. Sinead Warren was present during the 2016 search, where gardai discovered her long-term partner, Detective Garda Joseph Kavanagh, in a bedroom. She claims the search was a ruse to interfere in her personal life and relationship with Kavanagh, alleging that senior gardaí deemed the relationship inappropriate and conducted surveillance and inquiries to investigate it. Warren is seeking damages for breach of constitutional rights, negligence, and deceit, claiming she was falsely labeled as a 'major criminal' in WhatsApp messages. Her brothers were killed in Dublin in 2004 and 2012, but she has no criminal history. Gardai stated the search was for a laptop burglary investigation, and the theft did not involve Warren or Kavanagh. The court heard that the search was part of an investigation into a burglary, and gardai have denied any surveillance of Warren's home or Kavanagh's movements. The judge has reserved his judgment.
A man who was found walking on a Dublin street in the early hours of the morning, playing the ukulele and appearing intoxicated, has avoided a conviction after a judge heard that he had unknowingly consumed fortified wine. Killian Denny, 52, pleaded guilty to three public order offences, including intoxication and failing to provide his name and address to gardaí. The court heard that the wine he consumed had been given to him by a neighbour, who he believed to be normal wine. Denny, who lives alone and suffers from serious diabetes-related illnesses, was unaware of the high alcohol content of the wine. His defence solicitor highlighted that the alcohol had a particularly bad effect on him due to his medical condition. Judge Conor Fottrell applied the Probation Act and struck out the charges without conviction. The judge warned that the case serves as a reminder to be cautious of gifts from neighbours, particularly those they may not want.
A historian who lost a 'very tight' competition for a part-time lecturing position at the University of Galway has failed in her age discrimination claim. Dr Jackie Uí Chionna, who was 62 at the time of the interview, was placed last among six shortlisted candidates. She argued that the successful candidate, Dr X, who was in her late 20s or early 30s, could not have outperformed her based on her extensive experience and achievements, including a Bodleian fellowship and three published books. Her trade union, Siptu, contended that Dr X had not yet published her first book and lacked the experience of Dr Uí Chionna. However, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found that the interview panel's scoring was very tight, and the successful candidate outscored Dr Uí Chionna in three of the six assessed areas. The adjudication officer, Peter O'Brien, concluded that there was no evidence of age bias, stating that the process was fair and non-discriminatory.
Colin Kelly, the CEO of a green energy firm, has been awarded €75,127 in unpaid wages by the Workplace Relations Commission. Kelly claimed he was denied pay after a boardroom dispute in 2024. He reduced his hours to one day a week and ceased working entirely in mid-2024. The tribunal found that Kelly was entitled to his full salary for the four months he worked without pay, as well as additional compensation for the time he worked part-time. The company argued that Kelly voluntarily reduced his pay, but the tribunal did not find sufficient evidence to support this claim. The adjudication officer concluded that Kelly was entitled to the full amount, which includes €66,666.68 for the four months without pay and €6,923.07 for the part-time work. The decision was based on the terms of Kelly's employment contract and the lack of evidence supporting the company's claim of a voluntary pay reduction.
A senior Aer Lingus flight attendant, Alan O'Neill, who was sacked for refusing to allow a passenger to use the bathroom for 45 minutes, has opted not to testify in his unfair dismissal claim. His legal team argued that the case had already been proven by the airline's own evidence. The incident occurred during a delayed flight from Marseilles to Dublin in April 2024, where the passenger was reduced to tears. The airline's barrister, Tom Mallon BL, argued that the tribunal should dismiss the case as O'Neill refused to testify. The airline's internal investigation found that O'Neill had submitted an inaccurate report, leading to the dismissal. O'Neill's legal team challenged the airline's handling of the disciplinary process, while the airline defended its actions. The case is now pending a decision from the adjudication officer, with the airline arguing that the dismissal was fair.
A tribunal has ruled that a collapsed security firm, Best Guard Security Services Ltd (BGSS), clearly racially discriminated against people of colour in its employment practices. The Workplace Relations Commission awarded over €8,000 to James Ajibola, a former employee, for various employment rights breaches. Ajibola was left in serious financial difficulty after working hundreds of hours without pay at shops in central Dublin. He was promised €14.50 an hour but never received any payment. Dozens of former BGSS staff have won similar claims, with the firm's liquidator noting 53 ex-workers faced similar treatment. Nicola Coleman of the Siptu Workers' Rights Centre highlighted that white Irish or European employees in supervisory roles were likely paid, while black and Asian workers were not. The tribunal found systematic wage exploitation, which Coleman described as a template for exploitation akin to modern slavery. Adjudicator Michael McEntee noted the firm's failure to comply with employment regulations and awarded Ajibola €4,720.46 in total. The liquidator has advised the WRC that the Employers' Insolvency Fund will be used to meet the claims.
A Dublin taxi driver has been ordered to pay €12,000 to a visually impaired couple after refusing them service and driving off without them and their guide dog at Heuston Station in December 2024. Anthony Clarke and Lisa O'Donovan, both visually impaired, reported the incident to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), where they alleged the driver, Abiodun Dongo, was abusive and aggressive. The couple had travelled from Cork with Clarke's guide dog and approached Dongo at the taxi rank. Dongo allegedly reacted abruptly, refused to take the guide dog, and drove off without them. The WRC found that the couple had been discriminated against on grounds of disability and denied reasonable accommodation. Adjudication officer Valerie Murtagh upheld their complaints and ordered Dongo to pay €6,000 each. She also directed that Dongo comply with equality legislation in the future. The couple described the incident as highly embarrassing and humiliating, and the tribunal found them to be credible witnesses. The decision highlights the importance of accommodating individuals with disabilities and the consequences of failing to do so.
The Supreme Court has ruled that TikTok can continue operating in Ireland while it appeals a €530 million fine imposed by the Data Protection Commission (DPC) for alleged breaches of privacy laws. The DPC had accused TikTok of allowing user data to be accessed by engineers in China, violating EU data protection rules. TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, had appealed the fine in the High Court, which granted a stay on the orders requiring the company to pay the fine and stop making user data accessible in China. The Supreme Court dismissed the DPC's appeal, stating that the test regarding the stay was a matter of national law, not EU law. The court emphasized the need to balance the potential irreparable harm to TikTok if the stay was not imposed against the public interest. The case is now set to proceed with the substantive appeal, with TikTok Technologies UK Ltd ultimately responsible for any fine. TikTok claims the DPC breached fair procedures in its decision.
Daniel Hutchinson was convicted of assault causing harm after attacking a stranger with a champagne bottle, leaving him in a coma for four days. The incident occurred on North Earl Street in Dublin City Centre, where Hutchinson struck the victim 12 times on the head and face. The attack was captured on CCTV, and Hutchinson was arrested 30 minutes later. The victim suffered multiple fractures, a brain bleed, and required surgery. A victim impact statement highlighted the ongoing effects of the attack, including anxiety, panic attacks, and an inability to work in crowded places. Hutchinson, who had 10 previous convictions, claimed he was intoxicated and could not remember the incident. His defense highlighted that his son had died three days before the attack, leading him to go on a bender. The court adjourned the case until July 24 to allow for further reports to be submitted. Daniel Hutchinson pleaded guilty.
A worker from the Travelling Community, Kieran Reilly, has received €15,000 in compensation after being subjected to a derogatory remark during a sales meeting. The comment, made by a consultant, referred to the sales team as 'a pack of knackers going door to door selling tarmac,' which Reilly found deeply hurtful and offensive. The incident occurred shortly after Reilly started his job with Energy Centre Limited. The employer accepted liability for the harassment, acknowledging the remark was offensive and unacceptable. Reilly, however, felt the apology from the consultant and employer did not mitigate the harm caused, leading him to resign. The adjudicator, Brian Dolan, noted that the term used was derogatory and hostile, violating Reilly's dignity. He upheld the Employment Equality Act complaint and ordered the firm to pay four months' worth of compensation. The employer was also directed to provide workplace training on respect and dignity within two months.
Hotelier Noel O'Callaghan has failed to prevent his multi-million euro business dispute with his sons from going into arbitration, after a High Court judge found his arguments were "wholly inconsistent" with sworn evidence he gave in a previous application. Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy said Noel O'Callaghan argued that an arbitration agreement with his sons was invalid, despite having previously invoked the same agreement. The judge said the suggestion by Noel O'Callaghan that the agreement was invalid "is wholly inconsistent with his sworn evidence in his earlier application in which he sought injunctive relief in aid of arbitration." He added: "At the very least, a party who invokes an arbitration agreement should not subsequently be permitted to disclaim it on factual grounds without some compelling explanation for its change of position." He added: "In this case, the plaintiff offers none." "It is idle to speculate on what he hoped to achieve by this volte-face," said the judge, who commented that the arbitration agreement was "valid and subsisting." "In the circumstances, I am bound to refer to arbitration any disputes between the.
A former senior manager at a multinational pharma firm, Tracey Kivlehan, is challenging the termination of her employment in 2024 on the grounds of redundancy at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). Kivlehan, who held a €90,000-a-year role as head of hospitals and speciality brands at Accord Healthcare Ireland Ltd, was informed by the company's managing director, Padraig O'Brien, that her position was at risk just a week after being told that her team in Ireland was 'safe' following the announcement of job cuts. Kivlehan claims that her role was merged with a vacant marketing position to create a new role requiring 'sufficient clinical knowledge' as part of the company's strategic shift towards 'pioneering patented products'. She alleges that her performance was unfairly assessed, leading to a development plan and ultimately her redundancy. O'Brien stated that the company aimed to keep the team calm and that the redundancy process was an informal upskilling initiative. Kivlehan, however, viewed the process as an 'attack' on her abilities. The case has been adjourned until later in the year for further proceedings.
A service station operator in Charlestown, County Mayo, has been ordered to pay €1,250 in compensation to a former employee following a determination by the Workplace Relations Commission. Eve Kilcoyne, who worked as a cash office worker for Macs Place Ltd since 2016, was dismissed in 2024 after the business shifted towards card payments. While the tribunal found the role had become redundant due to declining cash transactions, the dismissal was deemed unfair on procedural grounds. The company failed to provide adequate consideration of alternatives, denied the worker representation rights, and offered no appeals process. Adjudicator Louise Boyle also found the employer in breach of the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 for failing to provide updated employment terms when duties changed. Ms Kilcoyne received €800 compensation for unfair dismissal and €450 for the statutory breach.
The daughter of Noel Kirwan, an innocent man murdered by the Kinahan organised crime group, told cartel lieutenant Sean McGovern that her father would have been offended to have been killed by 'somebody as stupid as you.' Donna Kirwan, whose father was shot dead outside his home in December 2016, addressed McGovern directly in her written statement to the court. She questioned how McGovern thought he would get away with the murder, pointing out that he was linked to the murder by DNA, mobile phones, CCTV, and other evidence. The court heard evidence relating to McGovern's role in the murder of Mr Kirwan and the attempted murder of James Gately. The Kinahans targeted Gately because they believed he was one of the armed attackers at the Regency Hotel. McGovern used a secure messaging service to relay information about Gately's movements. The case was adjourned for the completion of evidence and pleas in mitigation by McGovern's lawyers. Sean McGovern pleaded guilty.
A former Defence Forces captain has failed in a claim against Donegal County Council at the Workplace Relations Commission regarding his starting salary. Daniel McChrystal, who held the rank of captain, took a position as an economic development officer with the council in 2023 and argued he should have progressed up the pay scale based on a decade of military service. He contended his new role was of comparable seniority to his Army commission and that he faced a financial discrepancy by starting at the lowest point of the grade seven administrative officer scale. The council maintained Mr McChrystal was paid according to his contract and that his placement was appropriate. Adjudicator Roger McGrath rejected the complaint under the Payment of Wages Act 1991, finding no illegal wage deductions had occurred and that Mr McChrystal had accepted his rate of pay upon employment.
A 32-year-old man from Ballyconnell, County Cavan, has pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder before the Central Criminal Court. Danny Heyneman admitted to the murder of Annie Heyneman at a family home in Kilnavart on January 11, 2025, and to attempting to murder Henk Heyneman at the same address on that date. Prosecution senior counsel Gerardine Small indicated that victim impact statements would be presented to the court. The defence counsel requested that education and governors' reports be prepared and indicated an intention to rely on psychiatric evidence during sentencing. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the case to May 19 for sentencing, at which time the court will hear background evidence, victim impact statements, and the prepared reports.
Dave Gibney, a former press officer at the Mandate trade union, alleged that a leak by the union's general secretary, Gerry Light, scuppered a potential €1 million deal for Debenhams staff. The deal, proposed by KPMG, would have provided payments to Mandate members, saved 300 jobs, and included a one-third share in the profits of the stock sell-off. Gibney claimed that Light leaked the details to RTÉ, leading KPMG to withdraw the proposal. The leak was attributed to Light's conversation with RTÉ's Ingrid Miley, which resulted in the deal being abandoned. Gibney stated that the Debenhams team within Mandate was wrongly blamed for the collapse of the proposal. The following day, former Debenhams staff occupied stores, leading to KPMG blaming the occupations for the deal's failure. Gibney's allegations were part of a broader dispute involving the union and the Workplace Relations Commission. Lorna Langan, a Mandate member, is pursuing legal action against the union, citing protected disclosures and the financial impact of legal fees.
An engineer at an explosives and blasting firm facing a probe into his 'excessive use' of a company fuel card told his bosses he left his work jeep running 'all weekend', a tribunal has noted. Thomas Giles failed in a case at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) challenging his sacking from Kemek Ltd for gross misconduct. The company said it had 'no alternative' but to sack Mr Giles. Mr Giles was a technical service engineer on the road for the Enfield, Co Meath firm, which specialises in the deployment of explosives in the quarrying and construction sectors. He had been issued with a leased Toyota Land Cruiser as a company car – along with a fuel card – but began to face questions on fuel usage starting in 2022. Mr Giles was confronted with the figures on his fuel usage during a series of investigation meetings in March 2024, showing that he was using more than twice as much fuel as his colleagues.
A member of the national executive of the trade union Mandate has had her suspension lifted by a High Court injunction, allowing her to stand for re-election. Lorna Langan claimed her suspension was due to her attempts to highlight alleged wrongdoing at the union. She argued that fair procedures were not followed, as she was not informed of the reasons for her suspension and was not given an opportunity to make representations. The High Court granted an interlocutory injunction, lifting the suspension and allowing her to participate in the election. The judge noted that Ms Langan had not been suspended in accordance with fair procedures and that she was eligible to contest the election as she was temporarily unfit for work due to medical reasons but had a job offer. The union had argued that Ms Langan was ineligible as she was unemployed, but the court ruled otherwise.
A criminal attempted to rob three shops on the same Dublin street in under five minutes but left each one empty-handed. Michael O'Toole, 41, pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted robbery at two Paddy Power premises and a Spar on Talbot Street on October 17, 2023. He also pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property and theft. O'Toole used an uncapped syringe during the robberies and fled each time without success. He has 86 previous convictions, 12 from the Circuit Court. Gardai found stolen items from an Airbnb in Dublin, including iPads and a laptop, which were traced to O'Toole via CCTV footage. He was arrested but refused to answer questions. His defence argued that he had drug addiction issues and was making progress in custody. Judge Martina Baxter ordered a probation report and additional urine analysis, adjourning the case until December 17, 2026.
A student who failed to repay €5,000 from a money laundering scheme has been given a year to make amends before a judge decides on his sentence. Michael Adeleke, 23, pleaded guilty to receiving €4,982 in an online bank transfer knowing it was the proceeds of crime. He was contacted on Snapchat and agreed to set up a bank account to make money. Judge Anne Watkin said Adeleke had not made any effort to repay the victim in three years and was not truly remorseful. She gave him one final chance to show genuine remorse and adjourned the case for 12 months. The judge warned that if he came to garda attention, a custodial sentence would be imposed. A probation report and a community service suitability report were ordered, and the case was adjourned to April 26, 2027 for sentencing.
A driver who was stopped by gardai for using his phone was found to be carrying €108,000 in Alprozalam tablets. Robert Freer (39) was found with 54,000 tablets in the boot of his car and a small quantity of cocaine in his home. He had 15 previous convictions for public order and road traffic offences. His defence said he became involved in drug dealing to help a family member with a drug debt and that he was experiencing significant mental distress at the time. Judge Orla Crowe said Freer's reasons for getting involved in the offence were "utterly misplaced and reprehensible" and imposed a three-year prison term, which was backdated to when Freer first went into custody last month.
Lorna Langan, a suspended member of the Mandate union's national executive, is seeking an injunction to allow her to stand for re-election. She claims her suspension was due to her highlighting wrongdoing within the union, over which a formal complaint has been made to gardaí. Langan alleges that the NEC was misled into approving an excessive redundancy payment for a staff member. She needs a decision on her application before the union's delegate conference. Her legal team argued that fair procedures were not followed, as she was not informed of the suspension reasons or given an appeal process. The union's legal representative countered that the urgency for the hearing was created by Langan herself. The case is set to be heard in the High Court, with the conference scheduled for Monday in Portlaoise.
A father of four who became aggressive on St Patrick's Day after watching Liverpool lose the Carabao Cup final has received the benefit of the Probation Act. Jonathan Lambe (38) pleaded guilty to public order offences at Tallaght District Court. Gardai arrived at the venue after reports that Lambe had been aggressive towards staff and verbally abusive to a member of the public. His defence said he had "far too much to drink" and was disappointed about Liverpool's loss. Judge John Brennan noted the guilty plea and gave Lambe the benefit of the Probation Act, meaning no conviction was recorded. After the judge made a comment about supporting Liverpool, Lambe laughed and raised his fist in the air, saying: "Yeah, the real Reds.
A senior civil servant with a visual impairment has won €30,000 for disability discrimination after his department's IT team took over a decade to provide him with a suitable work laptop. Paul Hill had developed a visual impairment in his teens and needed assistive technology to perform his work. The tribunal found that the Department of Social Protection had failed to provide him with reasonable accommodation from 2012 to 2024. Mr Hill was left using the same laptop from 2014 to 2021, and the IT team claimed the machine was too old to support the accessibility software. The adjudication officer found that the Department had discriminated against Mr Hill and ordered them to pay €30,000. Adjustments were made, including a new laptop and office modifications, but the exact configuration Mr Hill wanted was not possible for the Department to procure.