The Labour Court overturned a €30,000 unfair dismissal award to Mary Kirrane, finding she was not unfairly dismissed. The determination was signed on 23 January 2017, on Barnacarroll Area Development Company Ltd's appeal.
Kirrane had worked for the company since April 1999 as Child Care Manager, Breakfast Club Leader and Pre-School Leader. The company said financial difficulties led it to invite staff to apply for voluntary redundancy; Kirrane said she felt targeted and had no alternative but to accept.
The Court preferred the company's evidence about alleged offers to give up management hours and found the meeting minutes accurate. It concluded that the company had not left Kirrane with no alternative but to end her employment. The Adjudication Officer's decision was set aside.