The Workplace Relations Commission awarded Marie O Shea €65,000 after finding that the Health Services Executive discriminated against her by failing to reasonably accommodate her return to work as a paramedic. The decision was dated 16 August 2021.
O Shea was recovering from an injury, and medical reports said she could perform some duties, including light or modified work. The WRC found that the HSE did not seriously consider how her tasks could be adjusted, adequately assess her capacity across the range of paramedic duties or explain its refusal by reference to its obligations under equality law.
The HSE argued that O Shea could not perform essential paramedic duties during the relevant period and that it was not required to provide her with a different job. It said it later accommodated her in a hospital switchboard role and supported her gradual return to paramedic work.
The WRC also ordered the HSE to review how it applies the Employment Equality Act in its emergency services and prepare written guidance and training for managers and HR within six months.