The Workplace Relations Commission has found that Brian Meagher was unfairly dismissed by the Irish Prison Service and ordered his re-engagement within six weeks, subject to six months’ probation. The decision, dated 13 August 2025, also directs that his absence be treated as leave for specified service and salary calculations.
Meagher had left his prison officer post to support Ukraine without approved leave. He said he had arranged cover and intended to be away for a short period, but could not contact colleagues while on duty there. The Irish Prison Service said he left without permission, did not make contact for months and the cover arrangements were unapproved and impractical for an absence of unknown duration.
The adjudicator found that Meagher did not intend to abandon his post and accepted that an unofficial shift-swapping system existed. The written dismissal process did not give him a formal hearing or an opportunity to challenge the investigation evidence, and the Commission found that his explanations and mitigating circumstances had not been adequately considered. The only complaint before the hearing was unfair dismissal; no separate minimum-notice determination was made.