WRC dismisses Travelling Community discrimination complaint on jurisdiction grounds

The Workplace Relations Commission found it had no jurisdiction over Josephine Cash O'Brien’s Equal Status complaint against Phoenix Inn Limited t/a Kestrel House, which concerned alleged discrimination while she sought service at the Kestrel Inn. The decision was dated 14 November 2024. The company argued that complaints concerning licensed premises belonged in the District Court under section 19 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act. Cash O'Brien argued that provision was incompatible with the Equal Status Act and sought an adjournment. The adjudication officer ruled the complaint inadmissible; the allegation was not decided on its merits, and no monetary award was recorded.