WRC dismisses Adrian Caulfield’s loan discrimination complaint

The Workplace Relations Commission dismissed Adrian Caulfield’s complaint that Microfinance Ireland discriminated against him by refusing a loan application. The decision was dated 2 May 2024. Caulfield alleged discrimination on eight grounds, including age, disability and race. He argued that information about the categories of borrowers would help him support his case. The respondent said previous complaints had not been upheld and this case could not amount to continuing discrimination. The adjudication officer found that Caulfield had not provided facts showing a link between a protected ground and the loan refusal. Without that initial evidence, the burden did not shift to the respondent to produce borrower information. The officer found no prohibited conduct and dismissed the complaint.