The Workplace Relations Commission awarded chef David McDonagh €4,160 after finding he was discriminated against because he was a member of the Travelling Community. Its decision, dated 6 July 2022, found that Harmony Catering Services Limited had not shown his dismissal was unrelated to that ground.
McDonagh worked for the company for 11 days. He said his employment ended soon after the managing director learned he was a member of the Travelling Community. The company said he was dismissed during a trial period because he lacked the skills needed for the role.
The WRC found the managing director became aware of McDonagh’s membership on 4 February 2020, and that concerns about his performance arose only after that. It concluded the company had not discharged its burden of showing there was no discrimination. The compensation was calculated using a prospective weekly salary of €160.