WRC rejects prison officer’s complaint over domestic violence leave

A complaint by Brian Kelleher against the Irish Prison Service was found not well-founded by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), which made no award. The decision, dated 3 July 2025, was issued by adjudication officer Pat Brady. Kelleher said domestic violence leave for 28 September 2024 had been refused, forcing him to use annual leave, and alleged penalisation. The WRC said the claim was brought under the wrong legislation: the decision said a complaint about domestic violence leave should be made under the Parental Leave Act. The Service argued the claim did not arise under the Sick Leave Act.