WRC dismisses face-mask exemption complaint after complainant misses hearing

The Workplace Relations Commission found Kieran Martin’s Equal Status complaint against Philip Gilbride not well founded after Martin failed to attend a resumed hearing. The decision was dated 25 January 2024. The merits were not decided. Martin’s complaint concerned an alleged refusal to accommodate an exemption from wearing a face mask. Gilbride disputed the complaint and said Martin had not disclosed the nature of his disability or the reason for an exemption. He said he acted in line with health and safety requirements and offered options to resolve matters. The hearing had been adjourned because persistent IT difficulties prevented the matter from being properly heard. When it resumed, Martin did not attend; the officer found that he had been properly notified and had received the Webex link, then decided the complaint in his absence.