Two of the four pub owners who had successfully challenged FBD's refusal to pay business‑disruption claims caused by Covid‑19 have settled most of their outstanding legal issues with the insurer, including the amount of damages owed. The settlements, whose details are confidential, cover the bulk of the quantum of losses. However, the other two pub owners, Hyper Trust Ltd (The Leopardstown Inn) and Aberken (Sinnott's Bar), still have disputes over the quantification of their losses pending before the High Court later this month. Mr Justice Denis McDonald, who ruled last year that FBD's policy covered losses from pandemic‑related closures, expressed disappointment that the remaining cases had not yet been resolved. The judge urged the parties to continue working toward a solution and adjourned the outstanding matters to a later date. The case remains an ongoing test action with implications for over 100 bars and restaurants.
A 26‑year‑old Dublin man, Stephen Rabbitte, pleaded guilty in the Central Criminal Court to attempting to murder Audrey Reddin on 10 April 2021 at his apartment block on Marlborough Road. He appeared briefly before Mr Justice Paul McDermott, who adjourned sentencing to 12 December. Rabbitte, who is in Cloverhill prison, has a long psychiatric history and his barrister, Sean Gillane SC, requested updated psychiatric reports.
A group of nine former Roadbridge employees, represented by Siptu, are seeking an order to have their UK-based redundancy payments adjusted to match Irish statutory rates. The workers, who were employed by Roadbridge Ireland Ltd and transferred to the UK between 2018 and 2021, claim they should be entitled to higher redundancy payments under Irish law. The workers, who have over a decade of service with the company, received payments based on UK rates, which are lower than the Irish statutory scheme. The case was heard at the Workplace Relations Commission in Dublin, with the company and its liquidators not attending. The workers argue that their service should be counted under the Irish system, and they are seeking compensation for the difference. The adjudicating officer expressed that he had not encountered such a situation before and would need legal advice. The union is seeking an order from the WRC to proceed with claims from the State's social insurance fund.
In a dispute over sick pay and holiday entitlements, Limerick City and County Council was ordered to pay senior engineer Sean Considine €36,271.08. The Workplace Relations Commission upheld complaints under the Payment of Wages Act and the Organisation of Working Time Act for sick pay from 5 December 2020 to 25 May 2021, and related public holiday and annual leave entitlements. Considine had been transferred to a new site on 5 May 2020 but did not attend work there, claiming the council had no authority to transfer him. He was removed from payroll on 8 June 2020 and again on 5 December 2020 after refusing to work. The tribunal found the council's discretionary sick pay scheme was exercised unreasonably, but upheld the pay claim for the period when he was fit to work.
A supermarket in Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow, was ordered to pay €39,750 to former manager Eamon Murphy after his dismissal was found discriminatory. Murphy, who had a history of alcohol‑related incidents, was sacked following an incident on 24 October 2022 when he brought a large quantity of vodka to work and drank until he became comatose. The Workplace Relations Commission ruled that the dismissal was not justified by a breach of trust because Murphy was an alcoholic, a recognised disability. The tribunal upheld Murphy's complaint, noting that the employer had not provided reasonable accommodation or sought professional addiction support before dismissal. The decision was based on the Employment Equality Act, with the tribunal finding discrimination on the grounds of disability and failure to provide reasonable accommodation. The supermarket was required to pay the full amount of €39,750 to Murphy.
Mr Hatem Mohamed, a job applicant, claimed he was denied a position at TikTok because of his age, alleging a question about working with a team leader in his twenties was asked during his third interview. The Workplace Relations Commission rejected his complaint under the Employment Equality Act 1998, stating the claim had no basis in fact. TikTok's legal team argued there was no discrimination, and interview notes showed no reference to such a question. The interviewer, Sohail Khan, confirmed he never asked about age or a younger team leader and that the question was not relevant to the role. The WRC found TikTok's recruitment process was robust and diverse, and Mr Mohamed failed to prove any discriminatory conduct. The complaint was not upheld.
A test case concerning the collective redundancy of 750 Debenhams workers opened before the Workplace Relations Commission. Michael Meegan, the Mandate union official running the case, alleged that the decision to make staff redundant was "preordained and predetermined" before the company entered liquidation. The union claims that Debenhams Retail Ireland Ltd management and liquidators Andrew O'Leary and Kieran Wallace of KPMG failed to provide substantive information or meaningfully consult with representatives, violating the Protection of Employment Act. The liquidators deny these claims, with counsel Kelley Smith SC arguing for "full compliance" through four open meetings and written responses to questions. Mandate General Secretary Gerry Light testified that the redundancy decision was made prior to April 8, 2020, and that requests for financial data were ignored. Liquidator Andrew O'Leary countered that the UK parent company refused financial support and that he provided all requested information except for landlord details protected by privacy. He rejected the characterization of the process as a "cursory box-ticking exercise," stating the initial intention was to save part of the Irish business. The hearing is the largest group of complaints handled as a test case by the WRC this year. The matter is currently at the hearing stage, with evidence presented by both parties.
The High Court set aside a second Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) that established pay and conditions for electrical workers after a judicial review by the National Electrical Contractors of Ireland (NECI). NECI, represented by Helen Callanan SC and instructed by HG Carpendale Solicitors, argued that the SEO, which began in February, was flawed because the Labour Court had not properly considered NECI's submissions and because the conditions it imposed could not be complied with. NECI also claimed that Ireland lacked pension, sick pay and death-in-service schemes that met the SEO's requirements. The court, after hearing the case, agreed that an order could quash the SEO, struck out the proceedings and awarded costs to NECI. The decision follows earlier Supreme Court rulings that found the Minister had acted beyond his powers in a 2019 SEO for electricians, leading to a revised, approved SEO for the sector.
The Workplace Relations Commission has ruled that awards for unfair dismissal should not be reduced due to redundancy payments, as outlined in a decision involving a well-known motoring school. Adjudicating officer Kevin Baneham stated that deducting a lump sum from an unfair dismissal award undermines the protections provided by the Unfair Dismissals Acts, particularly for long-serving employees. The decision upheld Brendan Phelan's complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, ordering the Irish School of Motoring to pay him €28,000 in addition to his severance pay for 15 years of service. The firm argued that the redundancy was necessary due to the pandemic, but the tribunal found that the process was not properly followed. Mr. Phelan was not offered alternative roles during the redundancy consultation in September 2020, and no alternatives were discussed when he was informed of his redundancy in May 2021.
Four former employees of Beckett's Hotel & Restaurant in Leixlip, Co Kildare, have secured statutory redundancy payments from their former employer, Camrue Catering Ltd, following their layoff in March 2020. The company conceded all four claims during adjudication hearings before the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) between July and September 2022. The staff had their last day at work on 15 March 2020, before the hospitality sector closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The WRC was informed that the business had not traded since the first lockdown in 2020 and was still seeking investors. The largest payment order was made to head chef John Boyne, who had worked for the company for over 24 years and is owed €29,407 in severance pay. Other payments included €17,280 to Sandra Clarke and €13,619 to Nicky Corrigan. Michelle Flynn-Smyth, with nearly 16 years of service, is due approximately €10,000.
Mr Justice Paul McDermott, presiding over the Central Criminal Court, publicly refuted claims made by Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny in Dáil Éireann. Kenny, acting as Justice Spokesman, had alleged that court facilities outside Dublin, specifically in Limerick, were underutilised because judges were unwilling to travel from their base locations. He stated that witnesses and victims were forced to travel to Dublin despite adequate local facilities. Mr Justice McDermott described these assertions as "concerning" and "ill-informed," asserting it is "simply incorrect" to suggest High Court judges lack willingness to travel. He noted that during the current session, cases were heard in Cork, Kilkenny, Monaghan, and Tullamore, with Waterford expected to join soon. The judge emphasised that the Central Criminal Court actively seeks these venues to reduce the burden on victims, acknowledging the "extreme distress" caused by travel. Regarding Limerick specifically, he clarified that the court is currently unavailable, but stated unequivocally that if it were accessible, judges would travel there. He concluded by affirming that there is "no question" of any High Court judge being unwilling to travel to hear cases, reiterating the judiciary's commitment to utilising available regional facilities.
The High Court heard that the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) seeks orders under Section 3 of the 1996 Proceeds of Crime Act to seize about €1.7 million in assets linked to Ross Browning, a senior member of the Kinahan Cartel. CAB alleges the assets – two properties, land, cars, jewellery and watches – were acquired by Browning through intermingling gang proceeds with money belonging to his family. Browning has not contested the application, but lawyers for his mother Julie Conway, the estate of his late grandfather William Conway, and other relatives deny the claims. They argue the assets were purchased with legitimate funds, that the estate's claim was outside the two‑year limitation, and that CAB's evidence is insufficient. CAB maintains the assets were bought with criminal proceeds and requests the court to grant the orders. The judge has reserved judgment. The case highlights the dispute over the source of the assets and the application of the statute of limitations.
A High Court challenge has been filed by engineer and architect Paul Leech against Meath County Council's plans to renovate the derelict St Patrick's Classical School in Navan. Leech argues that the council failed to conduct a second bat survey during the summer months, as required by the EU Habitats Directive, and therefore lacked the necessary information to determine whether the proposed works would comply with the directive. He also claims the council erred in law by not considering the impact on two nearby special areas of conservation. Leech, a former pupil of the school, seeks orders to quash the council's development consent and declarations that the council's assessment was unlawful. The case was adjourned by Mr Justice Charles Meenan to a December hearing. The court will consider whether the council's failure to obtain adequate bat survey data and assess environmental impacts constitutes a legal error. The proceedings are ongoing and no final decision has yet been made.
The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) has applied to the High Court for orders to permanently seize €1.7 million of assets it says were obtained from the proceeds of crime by Ross Browning, a senior member of the Kinahan Cartel. CAB alleges that Browning purchased a 1.3‑hectare site in Garristown in 2013 for €120 000, developed a residence and a shed, and restored an old cottage on the site for about €330 000. CAB also claims Browning bought a house on Deanstown Road, Finglas, for roughly €56 000, registered it in the name of his grandfather William Conway, and later sold it to a relative after extensive renovation. The assets also include a property in Garristown, lands in Rush, a house in Finglas, several motor vehicles, luxury watches and jewellery seized in a 2018 raid.
A landlord who refused to sign a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) form for a tenant was ordered to pay €10,000 in compensation for discrimination under the Equal Status Act. The tenant, a refugee, claimed the landlord's refusal left her in a sub‑standard flat with damp and a leaking roof, preventing her from receiving the higher HAP scheme. She had repeatedly asked the landlord to accept the form, but he declined, citing the flat's condition and concerns about future rent payments. The landlord also threatened eviction notices and suggested the tenant move to a neighbouring flat for renovations. The adjudicating officer found the tenant's evidence credible, noted the landlord's ongoing refusal amounted to less‑favourable treatment, and upheld the discrimination complaint as serious. The order included compensation for loss of earnings and the difference in the tenant's rent contribution. The press was barred from identifying the parties.
The Workplace Relations Commission ordered the Garda Representative Association to appoint Tara McManus to the assistant to the general secretary role after the association's central committee repeatedly failed to ratify her candidacy. McManus had claimed gender‑based discrimination, alleging an "old boys club" within the GRA leadership. The tribunal found that she was victimised by a committee member before the ratification process, but found no evidence of discrimination in the voting itself. The commission rejected the claim of discrimination but upheld the victimisation finding. It directed the GRA to appoint McManus within six weeks of 5 October, with the appointment to be supernumerary if no vacancy existed, and required the general secretary to assure her that no negativity would be shown to her upon appointment.
The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) has applied to the High Court to deny free legal aid to gangland figure James 'Mago' Gately and his partner Charlene Lam, arguing that their family home in Coolock, Co Dublin, and other assets were purchased with proceeds of crime. CAB claims the couple spent over €440,000 on their home, own a Volkswagen Golf GTI and a Rolex watch seized in 2019, and have taken foreign cruises, suggesting they can afford legal representation. Gately, who survived two attempted assassinations, has not worked since 2015 due to threats, while Lam, a self‑employed beautician, pays the mortgage from modest income and had received pandemic unemployment payments. The couple, represented by David Perry BL, requests free legal aid to defend the proceedings, citing the complexity of the case. CAB, represented by David Dodd BL, argues that granting aid would undermine a scheme designed to protect the most vulnerable.
In October 2022, the Workplace Relations Commission ruled that Helske Energy Save Ltd, a Slovak plasterboard company, had illegally deducted wages and failed to set up a pension account for Irish sales executive Cathy Orr. Orr, hired in summer 2020 to launch a thermal insulation product, discovered unpaid wages in July 2021 and quit in December 2021 after four and a half months of unpaid pay. She claimed €18,281.25 in gross wages and additional pension deductions. The tribunal found the company had deducted €18,281.25 between August and September 2021 and further illegal deductions of €2,435.54 for pension contributions. It awarded Orr €6,7830.78 for loss of earnings and €12,846.47 in compensation, totaling €22,012.79. Helske Energy Save Ltd did not appear at the hearing and did not respond to Orr's inquiries. The decision highlighted the company's failure to communicate and its "insulting and callous" conduct.
The Workplace Relations Commission has rejected a discrimination complaint brought by a Longford man against a supermarket in the Axis Centre. John Ryan alleged he was treated unfairly on grounds of disability on 29 June 2021 when staff asked him to wear a face mask at Fresh Today. He claimed he suffered severe distress and panic attacks when wearing masks and produced a letter from a suspended Derry GP in support. The adjudicating officer declined to accept the medical letter as evidence, noting the GP had been interim suspended by the General Medical Council pending investigation into allegations of Covid-19 misinformation. The tribunal found Mr Ryan had not notified the shop of any disability and had not established a case of discrimination under the Equal Status Act. The complaint was dismissed.
A former employee of the charity Bóthar, Aisling Matthews, claims she is owed additional redundancy pay because the charity has not honoured an agreement with former chief executive David Moloney regarding a sabbatical she took between 2010 and 2011. In 2021 Bóthar sued Mr Moloney in the High Court after he admitted misappropriating charity funds for personal use, stating he spent the money on family holidays and friends. Matthews has brought a claim before the Workplace Relations Commission under the Redundancy Payments Act, the Organisation of Working Time Acts, the Payment of Wages Act and the Terms of Employment (Information) Act. The commission's adjudicating officer, Michael MacNamee, noted that the charity calculated her redundancy based on service starting in 2011, not 2007, and that evidence is needed to establish continuous service. Ms Matthews argues she had a sabbatical authorised by Mr Moloney, supported by a plaque and an email confirming ten years of service.
Solicitor Eamonn O'Hanrahan of Fairview Strand Dublin brought a High Court challenge against the Clamping Appeals Officer and the National Transport Authority (NTA) regarding the dismissal of his appeal against an €80 clamping fee. Mr O'Hanrahan alleged that the appeal was heard in breach of natural and constitutional justice, specifically claiming the officer relied on submissions from notice party Dublin Street Parking Services Limited without providing him sight of that information or an opportunity to respond. He disputed the claim that his Suzuki Celerio was parked in a clearway on Fairview Strand on April 2, arguing appropriate signage was absent. In his judicial review, he seeks orders quashing the refusal, remitting the appeal to another officer, and declarations that the Clamping Appeals Officer and NTA must comply with natural justice principles under the 2015 Vehicle Clamping Act. The matter came before Mr Justice Charles Meenan, who questioned the proportionality of judicial review for an €80 fine but acknowledged the applicant's right of access to the courts. The judge directed that the application for permission be heard on notice to the Appeals Officer, NTA, and Dublin Street Parking Services Ltd. He noted that other judicial review cases involving special needs care allowances would be given greater priority. Consequently, the judge adjourned Mr O'Hanrahan's action to a date in late October 2023.
Martin Meany has launched High Court judicial review proceedings against the Data Protection Commission (DPC) and the Roman Catholic Church, alleging a failure to complete an investigation into his complaint regarding the Church's refusal to destroy his personal records. Mr Meany, who is no longer a Catholic, claims the Church's retention of his baptismal records and incorrect status as a practising Catholic breaches the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). He contends that the DPC paused its investigation in 2019 to conduct a statutory inquiry into the Church's obligations, resulting in a four-year delay that he argues violates his constitutional right to privacy and rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. Represented by William McLoughlon BL, Mr Meany seeks an order compelling the DPC to complete the investigation within a specified timeframe and a declaration that the delay was unlawful. The matter was heard on an ex parte basis before Mr Justice Charles Meenan. The judge adjourned the action to a date in December. Consequently, the case remains pending and has not been concluded or finalised.
Dominik Biber, a 25‑year‑old Polish national, pleaded guilty in the Central Criminal Court to attempting to murder Tomasz Grosser and to false imprisonment and burglary at Ormston House, Ellen St, Limerick, on 11 April 2020. Biber admitted using two knives during the burglary. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted the plea and noted other counts on the indictment for sentencing. Biber's lawyer highlighted the client's drug use as a significant factor and requested a probation report. The judge adjourned the case to 5 December and ordered a probation and governor's report.
The Workplace Relations Commission found that Enercon Windfarm Services Ireland Ltd repeatedly refused to allow a technician's trade union representative to attend disciplinary meetings, undermining the worker's trust in the company. The tribunal upheld Paul McNutt's complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 and awarded him €7,000 for constructive dismissal. McNutt claimed the firm targeted him because of perceived trade union activity, a claim the company denied. The company's representative, Mairead Crosby of Ibec, said McNutt had entered incorrect hours on a training week and was investigated. McNutt was disciplined with a final written warning in May 2019, later suffered a workplace accident, went on sick leave, and filed a grievance over pay while on leave. He resigned in November 2019. The tribunal noted that Enercon's repeated refusal to allow a trade union representative to attend disciplinary proceedings was an ongoing procedural flaw and unreasonable behaviour, leading to the award of compensation.
The Friends of the Irish Environment Group has filed a High Court challenge against Galway County Council's decision to authorise emergency flood relief works near Kylemore Bridge in Connemara. The group argues that the council's use of the 1949 Local Authorities Act to permit dredging and other works breaches EU environmental law, specifically the Habitats Directive and the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive. They claim the 1949 Act is invalid for this purpose and that permission should have been sought under the 2000 Planning and Development Act. The works, aimed at preventing flooding on the Dawros River, could affect the rare freshwater pearl mussel and salmon populations that rely on pristine water. The case seeks to quash the council's decision, obtain a temporary stay on the works, and declare the 1949 Act's provisions invalid, with the matter adjourned to December for further hearing.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Andrew Brennan, aged 41, was sentenced to a fully suspended prison term after pleading guilty to assault causing harm and threatening to kill his ex-partner on 6 May 2021. The incident occurred after a 24‑hour binge of alcohol and drugs, during which Brennan punched, kicked, and stood on the woman's neck, threatening to kill her. The victim sustained significant bruising, two black eyes, damaged teeth, and incurred €600 in medical expenses. Brennan was ordered to pay €2,500 to the victim or a charity. Judge Martin Nolan described the attack as "savage" and noted that Brennan had no prior convictions, concluding that imprisonment would be unjust. The case highlighted the toxic nature of the couple's relationship, marked by repeated alcohol and drug binges.
In a decision by the Workplace Relations Commission, Iceland Foods Ireland Ltd was ordered to pay €12,000 in compensation to four Traveller women who claimed they were told to leave an Iceland supermarket in Finglas, Dublin 11, without explanation two years earlier. The women—Laura McDonnell, Megan McDonnell and two young girls—filed complaints under the Equal Status Act, alleging discrimination by an assistant manager and a security guard. The commission found that the assistant manager dismissed a year and a half earlier and the guard had been involved in a traffic accident, but these facts were unrelated to the case. The adjudicating officer, Brian Dalton, concluded that the staff had engaged in prohibited conduct, awarding each complainant €3,000 for emotional upset and embarrassment. The decision was based on credible evidence, CCTV footage and the complainants' testimony that they were identified as Travellers and treated differently from other customers.
A former RTÉ newsreader, Noel Fogarty, withdrew his unfair dismissal complaint after drunken texts to a younger colleague were read at a Workplace Relations Commission hearing. Fogarty had claimed unfair dismissal under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 following his September 2021 sacking for gross misconduct. The texts, sent while intoxicated, were described as "utterly inappropriate" and "sexually harassing" by RTÉ's barrister Mairead McKenna SC. Fogarty admitted the messages were inappropriate but denied a sexual intent, citing excessive alcohol consumption. The hearing included testimony from the colleague, identified as 'Ms X', who described feeling uncomfortable, stressed, and physically affected by the messages. Fogarty accepted the inappropriateness, apologized, and requested alternatives to punitive sanctions. After deliberation, he formally withdrew his claim, signing the withdrawal papers before the hearing closed.
In a High Court case, French film star Dany Boon has been allowed to add several new defendants to his fraud claim. Boon alleges he is the victim of a multi‑million‑euro fraud orchestrated by Thierry Fialek‑Birles, who he says uses a network of companies across the West Indies, the United States, Monaco and Ireland. The new defendants include US‑registered American Sail & Motor Navigation Inc, Amalgamated Plantations Company Ltd (British Virgin Islands), Asia Monaco Investments Ltd (Lusk Co Dublin), Asia Monaco (Monaco), Sail & Motor Navigation Company Limited (Antigua and Barbuda), and several Irish‑registered entities such as South Sea Merchant's Mariners Ltd Partnership, Hibernian Petroleum Limited Partnership, United Irish Estates Limited, Hibernian Yachts Company Limited, and Samoa‑registered United Far East Oriental Holdings (Samoa) Ltd. Boon's lawyers seek freezing and disclosure orders against these parties, following a prior freezing order that prevented the defendants from reducing assets below €6 million.
A teenage waitress who left her job after her employer made inappropriate remarks about her appearance has been awarded €2,500 in compensation for sexual harassment. The girl told the Workplace Relations Commission that the man tried to hug her as she left and later told her she should be grateful to have a job. The restaurant owner, who cannot be named, claimed he had spoken to the waitress about her dress code and said she was dressed inappropriately. The waitress denied this and explained she had gone to her employer to clarify that she was wearing the wrong shoes due to a hole. The boss then lifted her jacket and told her she couldn't wear leggings because they made her 'ass too sexy'. The waitress said she felt uncomfortable and had a panic attack. When she tried to leave, the employer stood in the doorway and tried to hug her, telling her she couldn't go home.
In a High Court judgment, Mr Justice Mark Helsin dismissed a challenge by John O'Meara and his three minor children to the Minister for Social Protection's refusal to grant them the Widower's Pension. O'Meara's partner, Michelle Batey, died of Covid‑19 after a 20‑year relationship, but the court held that the pension is only payable to those who were married or in a formal civil partnership with the deceased. The judge rejected claims that the 2005 Social Welfare Consolidation Act's exclusions amounted to discrimination, stating that the decision of who is entitled to the pension is a matter for the Oireachtas, not the court. O'Meara had applied for the pension in April 2021, but the Minister's refusal was upheld, and the judicial review was dismissed. The case clarified that the pension is not a benefit for children or for cohabiting partners.
In a High Court hearing on 7 October 2022, progress was reported in a dispute between RGRE Dev Co Number 5, the developer of the Treasury Annex Building at Lower Grand Canal Street, and residents of nearby Macken Villas who had blockaded the construction site. The developer, represented by Ciara Davin BL, sought an interim ex‑parte injunction to prevent the blockade from causing health and safety risks that could shut down the site. The court granted the injunction, which remains in force while talks continue. The developer claims the residents demanded an ex‑gratia payment to lift the blockade, which RGRE refused, arguing the blockade unlawfully interfered with its right to access the public road. The developer has addressed the residents' concerns about noise, dust, bin collection, emergency access, and communication, and has obtained planning permission to demolish a three‑storey building and erect an eight‑storey structure.
Patrick Troy, former head of HR at Flynn Management & Contractors Ltd, claimed he was unfairly dismissed after a falling‑out with the company's co‑founders. He alleged he was singled out for a "sham" pandemic‑related redundancy and that the company wanted him out. Troy's dismissal in April 2020 led him to lodge complaints under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and the Unfair Dismissals Act. The Workplace Relations Commission rejected his claims. The adjudicator accepted that Troy's role was dismissed mainly because of redundancy, not personal reasons, and found no unfairness. The company argued that financial hardship caused by the Covid‑19 crisis had forced it to cut costs, including the HR director's position, which was one of 18 jobs made redundant. Troy's complaints about working hours and annual leave were also dismissed. The decision was published on 6 October 2022.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Detective Garda David Jennings explained that Amanda Fitzgerald, a 39‑year‑old mother of five, was coerced by painters to provide her bank details and mobile phone access. The painters, who had increased the quoted cost of a kitchen painting from €250 to €500, demanded payment through her account. After Fitzgerald supplied the information, the details were passed to a west Dublin gang that used her account to receive €3,100 of money stolen from another woman's bank account via a "smishing" text. From Fitzgerald's account, €2,400 was moved to a Revolut account and €700 was withdrawn in cash. Fitzgerald pleaded guilty to money laundering on 21 January 2021. Judge Elma Sheahan discharged her from the charge, imposing a six‑month bond to keep the peace under the Probation Act, citing the duress she faced and her role as a mother.
Ubiqube (Ireland), a software development company, applied to the High Court for an injunction to stop three individuals from acting as directors of the company. The defendants are Mr Jean‑Louis Clement, the company PIP Holdings Limited (which Clement allegedly controls), Mr Declan Merry, and Stephen McClure. Ubiqube claims that Clement and PIP Holdings, which own about 16% of the shares, have attempted a hostile takeover by appointing Merry, McClure and Clement to the board. The company says the resolution used to appoint them is unlawful and breaches the 2014 Companies Act, and that no evidence shows more than 50% of shareholders signed it. The court granted an ex‑parte injunction and allowed Ubiqube to serve the proceedings on two defendants, noting Clement is in Toronto and PIP is in Hong Kong. The injunction aims to remove confusion and bring certainty to the business.
The Workplace Relations Commission has ordered Ashton Dog Pound, trading as David Stone and Carol Stone, to pay €18,000 in compensation to applicant Conor Williamson. The adjudicating officer upheld Williamson's statutory complaint under the Protected Disclosures Act, finding that he was penalised for reporting alleged animal abuse to his employer and the gardaí. The decision characterised subsequent disciplinary actions against Williamson as an "orchestrated campaign" to intimidate him, noting that statements made by staff were "contrived" and "rehearsed." The tribunal found that Williamson's suspension constituted penalisation and that the investigation into him was flawed. While the adjudicating officer made no finding of fact on the underlying allegations of animal abuse raised by Williamson, she ruled that his complaint regarding retaliation was well-founded. Respondents argued that Williamson had been fairly disciplined for misconduct and social media breaches, but the tribunal rejected these submissions. The matter was concluded with the order for compensation, reflecting the finding that Williamson was treated to his detriment for making protected disclosures.
Ben Gilroy's claim that he was discriminated against by Decathlon Sports Ireland Limited for refusing to wear a face mask because of a heart‑attack‑related disability was rejected by the Workplace Relations Commission. Gilroy said he had a heart attack in 2015 that left him physically impaired and unable to wear a mask for an extended period. He told the tribunal that on 19 August 2020 he entered a Decathlon store in Ballymun with his wife and three children, was asked by a security guard to wear a mask, and that he politely informed the guard he was exempt under the law. He claimed a young employee, who said he was the manager, offered him a mask and threatened to make him leave if he did not wear one. Gilroy said he again stated his exemption, refused to show a medical certificate, and that the situation became heated.
Stephen Casey, 39, of Brookview Drive, Tallaght, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cannabis for sale or supply after a December 12, 2019 raid on his home. Garda Padraig Rowan reported that officers executed a search warrant, finding several kilo bars of cannabis resin, baggies, and a weighing scale in a shed. The drugs were estimated to be worth €44,000. Casey admitted responsibility, claiming he had accumulated a drug debt from cocaine use and had agreed to split the cannabis into bags without realizing its value. He had prior convictions for possession for personal use and cultivation of cannabis. His counsel, Kathleen Noctor SC, argued that Casey was a good father and that imprisonment would harm his family, citing a social worker's testimonial. Judge Martin Nolan, impressed by the evidence, suspended a three‑and‑a‑half‑year prison term.
Crumlin Children's Hospital has been ordered to produce a collective agreement within three weeks to defend a mass pay complaint lodged by 60 theatre nurses. The workers, represented by Ibec, filed complaints under the Payment of Wages Act and the Organisation of Working Time Act against their employer, Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin. Adjudicating officer Brian Dalton presided over a hearing where four test cases were selected to act as precedent for the remaining 56 complainants. The dispute centres on rostering arrangements during a six-month statutory window, with the nurses alleging they worked excess hours and were not paid full public holiday and annual leave entitlements. The hospital contests these claims, denying any breach and arguing that entitlements should be calculated based on an average of working hours across a five-week period. Ibec employer relations executive Cáit Lynch stated the hospital was surprised by the case and relied on HSE guidance, though the adjudicator noted the hospital could not rely on such guidelines without specific evidence. The hospital also claimed a collective agreement with the Irish Nurses and Midwives Association governed the arrangements, but failed to produce the document. Mr Dalton granted the hospital three weeks to provide the agreement. The adjudicator closed the hearing and adjourned the matter, excusing the test case complainants from attending on the next date, which has yet to be set by the WRC.
In early 2021, a welder at Gaelform Ltd in Ballivor, Co. Meath, claimed he had acted in self‑defence after a forklift driver allegedly tried to head‑butt him. The incident, which occurred on 14 January 2021, involved a disagreement between two colleagues. The welder, who said he had momentarily blacked out after being punched in the face and side of the head, pushed the forklift driver in response to the head‑butt. The forklift driver then struck him again. Both men were dismissed on the basis of gross misconduct. The Workplace Relations Commission, after hearing witness statements and the parties' accounts, found that the welder's actions constituted gross misconduct and that the dismissals were justified. The unfair dismissal claim was rejected, with the Commission ruling that the complaint was not well founded. The decision was published on 3 October 2022.
At the Workplace Relations Commission in Dublin, broadcaster Blathnaid Ní Chofaigh withdrew her statutory complaints of sexual harassment and victimisation against RTÉ. The matter was before adjudicating officer Breiffni O'Neill, who had previously issued directions prohibiting the media from naming witnesses or individuals identified in an internal investigation report. Ms Ní Chofaigh's barrister, Claire Bruton BL, stated that her client accepted the outcome of RTÉ's internal investigation processes. Counsel confirmed that the parties agreed to "draw a line in the sand" to preserve their ongoing working relationship, and explicitly noted that no compensation was paid to the applicant. RTÉ's counsel, Mairéad McKenna SC, confirmed this position. Although four days of adjudication hearings were originally scheduled to commence, the claim was withdrawn at the hearing. Ms Ní Chofaigh did not attend the session, while RTÉ staff and members of the public were present. The withdrawal concludes the procedural stage of the hearing, with the applicant formally abandoning the allegations of discrimination and victimisation lodged under the Employment Equality Act.
Alina Buckley, aged 19, received a fully suspended one‑year prison sentence after pleading guilty to possession of a knife at three separate incidents near Blackrock Garda Station in January, February and May 2020, and to threatening behaviour on Sweetman's Avenue in April 2020. The court noted her severe mental health difficulties at the time of each offence and her history of eight prior convictions, including two for assault. Judge Orla Crowe imposed the suspended term with conditions that Buckley engage with mental health services for the duration. Garda evidence detailed her abusive conduct towards officers, the discovery of knives and a razor blade, and her refusal to cooperate during arrests. Buckley had spent nine months in custody, which prompted her to seek appropriate services, and she is now living with her parents after a period of homelessness.
Michael Flatley brought a High Court damages claim against several parties for alleged negligence in works carried out at his Castle Hyde property in Co Cork. The claim arose after a fire on 18 June 2015 damaged the historic house, which Flatley had been renovating since 1999. He alleged that the fire started in an electrical panel and spread, causing extensive damage, and that the plumbing system was incorrectly designed, leading to basement flooding. Flatley sued architect and interior designer Mr Peter Inston, consultant engineer Sean R. McCarthy, and engineering firm Malachy Walsh & Partners, claiming breach of contract, misrepresentation and negligence. All defendants denied the allegations and argued the claim was statute‑barred. On 29 July 2022 the parties settled the claim, the proceedings were struck out, and the settlement terms remain confidential. No further details were disclosed to the court.
In a settlement reached at the Workplace Relations Commission, Irish Rail agreed to pay an undisclosed sum to procurement manager Suzanne Murphy after she alleged nepotism and bullying. Murphy claimed she was promised a permanent role during an interview but was instead offered a renewed fixed‑term contract, while two family members of senior staff received permanent positions. She said she was discriminated against on age, gender, family status and disability grounds, and that her line manager, Tommy Conlon, micromanaged and undermined her work, causing stress‑related hospitalisations. Murphy also alleged that she was denied carer's leave and remote work, and that her workload increased after a colleague resigned. Irish Rail's representative, Vicki Burke, denied any promise of permanency and said no health complaints were known before December 2020. The tribunal adjourned, and upon resumption the parties reached a confidential settlement, with Murphy withdrawing her remaining complaints. The case was closed after a ten‑week period for re‑entry.
An 85-year-old retired Garda from Strokestown, County Roscommon has withdrawn his High Court appeal against a destruction order for his Jack Russell terrier, Kim. The dog bit a woman on the Strokestown Famine Trail on 6 March 2022 near Mr Rogers' home at Bumlin. The injured party required eight stitches and hospital treatment following the incident. Roscommon District Court issued the destruction order in late April under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, finding the dog dangerous and not properly controlled. Mr Rogers appealed to the Circuit Court, which dismissed his challenge and upheld the lower court's decision in May. When Mr Rogers sought further appeal to the High Court, he subsequently withdrew his application before the Deputy Master. The destruction order therefore remains in effect. The High Court heard the matter briefly before being struck out.
Ian Kilroy, a Buddhist lecturer at the Technical University of Dublin, brought a discrimination claim under the Equal Status Act after receiving an email from the university's chaplaincy service on 15 February 2021 asking, "Who is Jesus?" He argued that the email, sent to a universal list, was an unsolicited proselytising act that discriminated against him because the chaplaincy was exclusively Christian and controlled by the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin. Kilroy also claimed that the university failed to provide adequate facilities for minority faiths, citing the lack of dedicated spaces for Muslim, Jewish or Buddhist staff and students and the closure of the university's Zen Society. The adjudicating officer, Pat Brady, found no evidence of a discriminatory act, noting that the email was a universal notice and that the university had provided neutral spaces for reflection. The claim was dismissed, with the officer concluding that the email did not amount to discrimination.
The High Court granted orders allowing the joint official liquidators of Wirecard Ireland Ltd to return over €1.16 million to Orange and Vodafone, and to release about €800,000 held by the Irish entity that came from VISA and SFR. The orders were made after the court found Wirecard UK and Ireland Ltd insolvent and unable to pay its debts. The liquidators argued that the funds were held in trust for the telecommunications companies and had never been assigned to individual cardholders. They also sought to use €724,780 paid to Wirecard Ireland between 2013 and 2015, and €81,000 paid by VISA, as part of the distribution to creditors. The court approved these reliefs, allowing the specified amounts to be made available to the creditors.
A divorced couple received fully suspended sentences at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for money laundering nearly €180,000 stolen through an invoice redirect fraud targeting an education board. Zanab Ibrahim, aged 51, of Wolfe Tone Street in Cavan, and her ex-husband Francis Falaye, aged 54, of Lobinstown Apartment in Navan, Co Meath, pleaded guilty to the offence. The Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board was defrauded when an email purporting to come from a construction company redirected payment for school works in Tullamore to accounts controlled by the defendants. Ibrahim received €178,695 into her fashion boutique account, from which €50,000 was transferred to Falaye four days later. The fraud emerged when the genuine contractor advised non-receipt of payment. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a suspended two-and-a-half-year sentence on each defendant, conditional on keeping the peace. Falaye was ordered to pay €1,000 to the Peter McVerry Trust. Gardaí recovered all but €1,000 of the stolen funds.
A development company, Salzagold Limited, secured a High Court injunction against up to 40 caravans occupying a greenfield site in Graigcullen, Co. Laois, which the company claims is a large‑scale illegal occupation. Mr Justice Brian O'Moore granted the injunction, ordering the occupants to vacate the property pending a hearing. The judge expressed concern over alleged anti‑social behaviour, including the operation of a tree‑felling business without proper health and safety measures, the burning of refuse, and joy‑riding vehicles. He noted that the site had previously been occupied in March, with a small group leaving shortly after. The injunction remains in force until the hearing, and the court warned that non‑compliance would result in serious consequences. At the time of the hearing, no occupants appeared in court, and the company had served short notice of the proceedings on the alleged occupants.
In a High Court case, swimming instructor Ricardo Rojas agreed to comply with an injunction issued by Mr Justice Conor Dignam that bars him from teaching swimming within a five‑mile radius of Swim Max Limited's premises until 22 October. The injunction, granted in June, enforces a restrictive covenant that Swim Max claims was part of Rojas's employment contract. Rojas, who left the company in late April, is also prohibited from using the firm's trade secrets or competing with Swim Max for six months after his departure. He accepted his former employment but contested the company's allegations, describing his former working conditions as stressful and toxic and expressing concerns about potential homelessness. Rojas denied any cost orders and said he would dispute them. Swim Max's owner, Ms Diana Daly, alleged that Rojas had been giving lessons at another pool shortly after leaving, potentially harming the company's reputation. The court will review costs on 22 October when the covenant expires.