The Labour Court found that an investigation by the Food Safety Authority Of Ireland (Fsai) into two senior workers’ travel and subsistence claims was flawed and that the report’s conclusions were factually erroneous. In a recommendation signed on 26 October 2006, it said the workers had not been given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
The dispute followed investigations into claims linked to workshop attendance. The Association of Higher Civil & Public Servants said the workers were not interviewed and sought withdrawal of the report and an apology. The FSAI said it had a duty to investigate expense claims and that the report had to remain on file.
The Court recommended adding its recommendation to the report and declined to recommend withdrawing it or issuing an apology. It acknowledged that neither worker had committed wrongdoing in relation to the investigation, while also saying their responses were unduly combative and unhelpful and both parties’ conduct left much to be desired.