The Workplace Relations Commission found that PTSB Bank Permanent TSB Bank did not discriminate against Patrick Wrenn, who alleged the bank’s treatment of his carer’s allowance affected his chance of obtaining a personal loan. The decision was dated 16 November 2022.
Wrenn said a bank employee told him the carer’s allowance was not suitable as a primary income source for a loan. The bank said he had asked about its credit policy but had not made a formal application. The adjudication officer found that Wrenn had enquired about a loan and complained about the policy during the call, but did not apply for a loan.
The officer found there was no loan application for the bank to assess or decline, and concluded that Wrenn had not been discriminated against on family-status or disability grounds. The Equal Status Act covers banking services, including loans, but the decision found the bank did not refuse a loan application on either ground.