The Workplace Relations Commission ordered Bus Éireann to pay Robert Cantwell €1,500 after finding it discriminated against him by failing to reasonably accommodate his disability in relation to his support dog. The decision was dated 4 July 2023.
Cantwell said his dog, Osho, helped ease his anxiety while travelling to swim in the sea, but Bus Éireann refused to let the dog travel because it was not registered and identifiable as a trained assistance dog. The company said its policy required assistance dogs to be registered and wear an identifying coat or harness, and that a dog would need approved training.
The WRC found that Bus Éireann knew about Cantwell’s needs but had not adequately engaged with him to explore an accommodation. It also ordered the company to urgently review its policies for accommodating passengers with visible and invisible disabilities.