WRC dismisses Olumide Smith’s complaint against department

The Workplace Relations Commission dismissed Olumide Smith’s complaint against the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, finding it misconceived and outside its jurisdiction. The decision was dated 2 December 2021; the merits were not decided. Smith alleged race discrimination and harassment at a Labour Court hearing and in its determination, arguing that the department was vicariously liable. The WRC found that the Labour Court’s decision-making was not a service under the Equal Status Act and that the department could not be held vicariously liable for the misconceived claim.