The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ordered An Garda Síochána to pay sergeant David Haughney €65,000 compensation after finding that it discriminated against him by withdrawing accommodations when he returned to work. The decision was dated 18 October 2023.
Haughney, who had 32 years’ service, said restrictions on his duties failed to accommodate his disability. The Garda said medical advice and operational needs required him to perform strictly non-confrontational duties. The WRC found that accommodations provided after an earlier absence were withdrawn on his second return to work, and that treating similar situations differently could amount to discrimination.
The discrimination complaint was well founded. A separate harassment complaint, concerning an incident on 15 April 2020, was out of time and not well founded. Compensation is payable within 42 days of the decision.