The Workplace Relations Commission rejected Patrick Donnellan’s age discrimination complaint against Eircom Limited, finding the company’s mandatory retirement age of 65 objectively justified. The decision was dated 1 October 2025.
Donnellan, a field technician who had worked for the company and predecessor organisations for more than 44 years, argued that his contract did not require him to retire at 65 and challenged the refusal of his request to extend his employment. Eircom said the policy supported succession planning, career progression, workforce management and safety in a physically demanding role. The adjudicator accepted evidence on those aims and found the policy appropriate and necessary, taking account of Donnellan’s pension provision.