The Workplace Relations Commission rejected Dylan Prinsen’s disability discrimination complaint against Dr Antal Roka, a staff member of a dental clinic. In a decision dated 3 January 2023, the WRC found that the clinic had refused Prinsen a service but had not discriminated against him.
Prinsen said he was refused dental treatment after telling clinic staff he could not wear a face covering. Roka and clinic staff said he did not explain a medical reason he could not wear one. The adjudication officer found that Prinsen had not provided evidence establishing a disability that prevented him from wearing a mask, and that the respondent was unaware of any such disability.
The WRC found that Prinsen had not established a prima facie case of discrimination, the initial evidence required to support such a claim. It concluded that the respondent had not engaged in prohibited conduct.