WRC says settlement bars health and safety penalisation complaint

The Workplace Relations Commission found it had no jurisdiction to inquire into Connie Gerety’s complaint that North Leinster Citizens Information Service Limited penalised her for raising a health and safety complaint. Its decision was dated 20 January 2025. Gerety accepted signing a mediated settlement agreement but argued the WRC could still hear her statutory claim. The service argued the settlement, signed with independent legal advice, covered the complaint. The adjudication officer found it was intended to settle existing and potential employment claims, including this one, and that Gerety had informed consent after receiving legal advice. The WRC did not decide whether the alleged penalisation occurred.