The Workplace Relations Commission found that Tracy McDonnell had not established discrimination by the Department of Social Protection in its assessment of her Exceptional Needs Payment application. The decision was dated 8 November 2023.
McDonnell sought help with several household expenses, including car repairs, and received €1,850 towards other items. The Department refused the car repair request, saying it did not meet the statutory criteria. The repair estimate was €2,600, while the car was valued at €2,000.
The WRC found the refusal was based on financial considerations, including the repair and additional costs of putting the car back on the road, and was not based on disability or family status. It found no prohibited conduct under the Equal Status Act, so the complaint was not well founded.