The Workplace Relations Commission found that Daithi O'Raithbheartaigh’s complaint of discrimination on the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) ground was not well founded. The WRC dated its decision 15 August 2022.
O'Raithbheartaigh contacted Movehome Estate Agents about viewing an apartment. An agent said the landlord wanted a tenant in full-time employment with references and proof of funds. O'Raithbheartaigh said those conditions disadvantaged people receiving HAP. Movehome denied discrimination and said about 20% of its clients received HAP.
The adjudicator found that the agent did not know O'Raithbheartaigh’s circumstances and that he had not established less favourable treatment. He did not attend the viewing or follow up to ask whether HAP was accepted. The adjudicator also noted that Movehome had not replied to his complaint form and urged it to respond in similar cases.