The Workplace Relations Commission rejected Hannah Duignan’s reasonable-accommodation complaint against Lough Rynn Castle Limited, finding she had not established a prima facie case of discrimination. Her related penalisation complaint was found to be out of time. The decision was dated 20 October 2022.
Duignan, a hotel services manager, said the hotel failed to take steps to facilitate her return after an extended period of sick leave. The officer accepted the employer was on notice that she wished to return, but found she was certified unfit for work and that the employer was not required to look beyond that medical opinion or propose work that she had not suggested.
She also alleged adverse treatment connected to a bullying grievance against her manager. The officer found that complaint out of time, noting that the grievance investigation had been put on hold while Duignan was on sick leave and that this position was not later changed. The accommodation complaint was not found to be out of time, but failed on its merits.