The Workplace Relations Commission found that the Health Service Executive South Tipperary Mental Health Services unfairly dismissed agency worker Christine Connolly and awarded her €11,732. The decision, dated 22 August 2023, also ordered the HSE to pay her €1,500 for two weeks’ notice.
Connolly worked at St Luke’s Hospital in Clonmel. She said the HSE removed her from the post after allegations that she threatened a colleague and accessed confidential client information, without a proper investigation. The HSE argued that she remained employed by the agency and had been reassigned. HSE managers told the hearing they decided she should be removed, and confirmed no investigation had taken place.
The officer found that ending her assignment could amount to dismissal even though she remained employed by the agency. The HSE had not investigated the allegations before letting her go, and Connolly was unfairly dismissed. The WRC also rejected her separate complaint that she was not informed of vacancies or prevented from applying, finding insufficient evidence to support it.