The Workplace Relations Commission awarded Deirdre O'Grady €5,000 after finding the Health Service Executive discriminated against her by failing to provide reasonable accommodation for her job duties. The WRC decision was dated 2 February 2024.
O'Grady, a Chef Grade 1 redeployed from Tuam to Ballinasloe during the pandemic, said she continued working in the kitchen despite medical advice and sought adjustments to her duties. She also challenged the HSE's refusal to reimburse the additional cost of using the motorway. The HSE said it followed occupational health advice and reimbursed mileage under its travel rules.
The WRC found the HSE had not fully understood the adjustments O'Grady needed and had not carried out a risk assessment. It concluded the HSE's efforts did not meet its obligations to provide reasonable accommodation, which means making suitable workplace adjustments for a worker with a disability. The award related to the complaint about her job duties. Two other complaints, concerning travel expenses and the HSE travel policy, were found not well founded.