The Workplace Relations Commission awarded tenant William Gallagher €23,000 compensation after finding that landlords Jenny Brennan and Matthew Hannigan discriminated against him over his Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) application and victimised him after he pursued his rights. Adjudication Officer Christina Ryan’s decision was dated 9 October 2025.
The officer found that the landlords’ failure to complete the landlord section of Gallagher’s HAP application left him without assistance for 15 months despite his eligibility, and amounted to discrimination on the housing assistance ground. She also found victimisation, including three termination notices issued after he sought to enforce his rights. The landlords denied discrimination and victimisation, saying they understood Gallagher would not pursue HAP because they intended to sell the property. The officer found Gallagher’s account more credible.