The Workplace Relations Commission rejected two disability discrimination and harassment complaints by Catherine Dunne against post office operator Adrian Corcoran. The decision, dated 13 January 2023, concerned service disputes at a post office counter on 3 and 7 December 2020.
Dunne said Corcoran refused to serve her when she was not wearing a face covering, despite her saying she was medically exempt. She also complained about signs at the premises and a threat to call Gardaí. Corcoran said the mask rule was intended to protect vulnerable customers during the pandemic, and that he would have accommodated her by serving her outside or when the shop was closed.
The officer found that regulations at the time did not require face coverings in post offices, but that Corcoran acted reasonably given the danger and transmissibility of Covid-19. The officer also found that the signs did not violate Dunne’s dignity and that the threat to call Gardaí did not amount to harassment. Under the Equal Status Act, service providers must make reasonable adjustments for a person with a disability; the officer concluded that Corcoran had not discriminated against Dunne or engaged in prohibited conduct.