The Labour Court rejected Geraldine Horgan and Helen Comiskey’s appeal over an age discrimination complaint concerning a Deputy Principal appointment at Dunshaughlin Community College. The Court’s determination was dated 23 May 2013.
Horgan and Comiskey argued the recruitment process favoured a younger, less experienced candidate. County Meath VEC denied age discrimination and said the appointment was based on merit.
The Court found that asking applicants for their dates of birth was wrong, but found no evidence that it caused age bias. It considered the interview panel appropriate, the questions focused on common themes and the marking scheme a reasonable way to assess management ability. It also found no evidence that older teachers who offered to join the school’s technology project were rejected in favour of younger teachers.
The Court upheld the Equality Officer’s decision that the complainants had not established age discrimination and rejected the appeal.