Top 5 reads for busy people: 

1. AI could hit Ireland’s top jobs hard 🤖
2. Unions urge government to protect workers from economic shock✊
3. Skill Builder for HR: Last chance to master DSARs ⏰
4. Frustration grows over pay transparency delays 💸
5. WRC awards €420,000 to former CEO 💶

And in other news....Hub subscribers are beginning to request that our Chairman, Barry covers a particular AI topic in a future podcast. If you have a request, send it to him directly at barry@legal-island.com - he’ll feel like a DJ from the 80s…...🎧

1. Case Law Reviews
2. AI and Employment Law
3. Mastering DSARs in Practice
4. Iran conflict and cost of living
5. Pay Transparency Update
6. No-fault dismissals in Ireland: What employers need to know
7. Just In Case You Missed It....
8. HR Developments
9. Employment News in the Media
10. Health and Safety Developments
11. Free Webinars This Month

Tom McCarthy v ShannonDoc ADJ-00055946 

Summary:  Employee was not entitled to retrospective pay restoration payments made after his redundancy because they related to periods after his employment ended, and his complaint was also outside the statutory time limit.

Practical Guidance for Employers: 

Employers should:

• Ensure that contractual pay terms, salary scales, and any links to external sectoral rates are recorded with precision. Where pay parity, collective understandings, or contingent funding arrangements exist, these should be clearly documented so there is no uncertainty later as to whether any future increase is contractual, discretionary, or conditional on external approval.
   
  
• Note, where retrospective or restoration payments are introduced, employers should issue timely written communications explaining who is covered, the relevant periods, and the legal basis for the payments. Former employees often assume that any payment relating to an earlier period automatically applies to them.
   
  
• Raise limitation points early but still prepare a full substantive defence. Good records and consistent contractual practice remain the best protection against wage deduction claims.

Read the full Review here.

A Case Manager v A Charity IR - SC - 00004453 

Summary: Complaint failed because the employee had resigned rather than been dismissed and had not actively participated in the WRC process or completed the internal grievance procedure.

Practical Guidance for Employers: 

Employers should:

• Ensure that all workplace disputes are managed through structured, well-documented internal procedures. This includes maintaining clear grievance and disciplinary frameworks, issuing written outcomes, and preserving records of all interactions.  
   
  
• Allow employees full access to internal appeal mechanisms and to encourage their completion before external escalation. Employers should communicate clearly that internal processes must be exhausted prior to referral to external bodies.  
   
  
• Prepare thoroughly for hearings, even where the opposing party appears disengaged. This case highlights that adjudicators place weight on preparedness and adherence to fair process.

Read the full Review here.

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These case reviews were written by Patrick Barrett BL.

Patrick's legal education is robust, beginning with a BCL Law Degree from University College Cork (2012-2016), followed by an LL.M in Business Law from the same institution (2016-2017), and culminating in a Barrister-at-Law Degree from The Honorable Society of King’s Inns in Dublin (2019-2021). He has extensive experience on the South-West Circuit, handling Civil, Family, and Criminal Law cases, as well as advising the Citizen Advice Service.  He has worked as an employment consultant, dealing with workplace investigations and bankruptcy procedures.

Remember: Our Irish case law reviews are now held in our case law section on our fully-searchable employment law hub website.

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9 in 10 CIOs admit to 'learning on the go' with artificial intelligence

Almost nine out of ten (89%) chief information officers are ‘learning on the go’ when it comes to artificial intelligence, according to research from Logicalis. The study, conducted by Vanson Bourne, surveyed more than 1,000 CIOs across the globe and shows the pace of AI adoption is outstripping organisational readiness. Business Plus has the full story.

AI revolution to have severe effect on Irish economy with top-end job losses, report warns

The AI revolution will have a severe effect on the Irish economy, with the most educated workers in top-paying jobs set to be hammered by the technology, a new report has warned. AI is set to impact up to 7 per cent of all jobs in the State in the short to medium term, according to a central scenario outlined in research from think tank ESRI and the Department of Finance. Many of those job losses will be at the top-end of the economy, it said. More from the Irish Times.

When AI gets it wrong: Ireland’s Court of Appeal addresses hallucinations in legal submissions

In a judgment delivered by Costello P. on 26 March 2026, in the case of James Guerin v Gemma O’Doherty [2026] IECA 48, the Court of Appeal addressed, for the first time, the appropriate use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) in the preparation of legal submissions. The Court used this opportunity to set out guidelines governing the use of AI tools in the preparation of legal submissions. Costello P. expressed that parties, including lay litigants, should use AI appropriately and should be given guidance as to how such programmes may be used to assist in litigation. She went on to set out the following principles of general application. Read them in an article by Amoss Solicitors here. 

AI for HR Weekly Podcast with Barry Phillips 🎙️

AI Slop at Work: When Nobody Stops to Think

You can tune into the latest episode right here - or, if you’re on the move, why not take us with you?

Listen on 🎧 Spotify or Apple Podcasts

Simply search for “AI for HR Weekly Podcast” and enjoy expert insights anytime, anywhere.

Hub subscribers are beginning to request that Barry covers a particular AI topic in a future podcast. If you have a request, send it to him directly at barry@legal-island.com - he’ll feel like a DJ from the 80s…🎧

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National Emergency Coordination Group convened on traffic and transport disruption

The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) was convened Thursday to assess the impacts of the ongoing blockades on the transport network and the effects on the provision of vital services. The NECG brings together all relevant Government Departments and State agencies to coordinate the response to emergencies. The group was briefed that the blockades are continuing to cause significant disruption for the public, to supply chains and vital services, including emergency services and public transport.

Slowdown in Irish services sector as Iran fears weigh on businesses

Fears over the continuing war on Iran contributed to a slowdown in the Irish services sector, with new business activity expanding at its slowest pace in six months, according to the latest Price Managers Index (PMI) released on Tuesday. The AIB Services PMI showed the Irish service sector expanded only slightly in March and inflationary pressures escalated. Activity increased overall but at one of the weakest rates over the past five years, as new business growth moderated. The Irish Examiner has more.

Trade unions call for Government to protect workers from economic shock

Workers across Ireland cannot be forced to bear the full brunt of a cost of living and energy crisis, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has warned. The union body is calling for immediate measures to ease pressure on workers, and longer term measures to increase resilience, including:

• Reductions in the cost of public services, including public transport.
• Greater flexibility from employers on remote and hybrid working arrangements to reduce commuting costs for workers.
• Improved data sharing between the Department of Social Protection and Revenue to ensure that support measures reach those who need them most.
• Scrapping the planned VAT reduction for the hospitality industry.
• Double indexation of tax bands in Budget 2027 to mitigate against failure to index in Budget 2026.
• Longer term phasing out of reliance on fossil fuels and increased emphasis on renewables.

You can read the full statement here. 

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Frustration over delay to pay transparency that could level playing field for job applicants

Ibec claims EU directive to provide salary information to job applicants and workers has wide support from business reports the Irish Times.

European Union: Toolkit Launched to Support Pay Transparency Compliance

The European Commission and European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) launched updated EU wide guidelines on gender-neutral job evaluation and classification in the form of a step by step toolkit developed to assist employers with their obligations under the Pay Transparency Directive, in particular in assessing work of equal value. While voluntary, the toolkit is highly relevant for employers preparing for the Directive’s day‑one obligations, particularly the requirement to assess and compare work of equal value across roles. On any view, application of it is a significant undertaking. Baker McKenzie provide a summary of the key takeaways here. 

Looking for more guidance..........

Read Arthur Cox's analysis of the EU toolkit here. 

Event: Pay Transparency: Action Plan for HR - 14th May 

Panicking about pay transparency? Wondering if your job grading spreadsheet is about to become your full time personality? Before the new EU Pay Transparency Directive takes effect in June 2026, HR professionals in Ireland need clear answers fast. Join experts from the Employment Group at A&L Goodbody and a Work & Rewards Specialist from Willis Towers Watson for practical guidance on job evaluations, pay differences, and how to avoid costly disputes. With real case studies, legal insight and take away tools, you will leave knowing exactly what to do next and how to explain it to your CEO without breaking into a cold sweat. Read the full programme and book your spot here.

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The High Court has again acknowledged that a no-fault dismissal, meaning termination without cause, is permitted in law, provided there are no underlying reasons such as misconduct issues, and the necessary contractual clauses are in place.

Mr Justice Dignam made the following comments in the recent decision of Buttimer v Oak Fuel Supermarket Ltd [2023] IEHC 126:

“An employer is free to terminate an employee's employment for no reason during probation, and even where it relates to poor performance, the employer is not obliged to observe fair procedure, but where the termination is for misconduct, fair procedures must be observed.”

Read RDJ LLP's article here. 

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The Employment Law Hub is a comprehensive, jurisdiction-specific resource designed for HR professionals, legal advisors, and business leaders. It centralises essential employment law and HR updates, expertly curated and written by leading HR and legal specialists to provide reliable, practical, and authoritative insights. We have over 700+ in depth articles and 1000+ case law reviews. As a subscriber, you have access to all of this. Check it out the full Hub here and below are some recent articles you may have missed.....

Q&A: Statutory sick pay and more favourable employer sick pay schemes

Fiona Stinson, Solicitor at A&L Goodbody LLP provides an update on employees' entitlements under the Sick Leave Act 2022. Read it in full here. 

Workplace Grievances in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

While employees are availing of AI in order to improve efficiency when carrying out their duties of employment, they are also using AI to assist in dealing with issues that arise in relation to their employment – in particular, we are seeing an increase in the number of AI generated grievances that employers are receiving. This represents a difficulty for employers: AI generated grievances tend to be substantially longer and more complicated than grievances that are prepared in a traditional manner. Read the full piece by Bláthnaid Evans, Partner, Philip Lee LLP. 

Duncan's Case Law Reviews

Duncan Inverarity, Former Partner & Head of Employment at A&L Goodbody LLP reviews the most important case law relevant for Irish employers from the past year. Keep an eye out on our Hub every week for a new update. This week he is discussing the case:

HYPH Ireland v Michael Kiely (UDD2533)

In this case, Mr Kiely was unfairly dismissed without fair procedures. The Labour Court awarded €445,400 plus notice compensation, highlighting mitigation efforts and the restrictive impact of a non-compete clause on loss.

Read the full case review here. 

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Strong employer branding has become a strategic priority

Companies invest massively in branding to sell their products or services, but when it comes to attracting top talent, many organisations still treat their employer brand as an afterthought. Collins McNicholas Director Michelle Murphy examines why strong employer branding has become a strategic priority for companies serious about competing for the best people in this article for Business Plus.

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The former CEO of an electric vehicle battery start-up has been awarded €420,172 in compensation after bringing a constructive dismissal case to the WRC. Barry Flannery commenced his role as CEO/CTO of Galway-based Xerotech Limited – which is now in liquidation – in October 2019 on a base salary of €200,000 with additional company car and health insurance benefits. More from Irish Legal News.

The Irish Times reports retail workers’ trade union Mandate has suspended five activists, including two members of its National Executive Council (NEC), in a dispute over confidential settlements made with two members of staff who brought complaints against leading officials. All have been suspended from union activities and told they will not be permitted to attend the conference or stand in the elections.
 
A Dublin Asian restaurant unfairly dismissed a long serving chef after he allegedly directed that roast duck be reheated in a microwave and that he continued to prepare cooked food that had fallen onto the kitchen floor. At the Workplace Relations Commission, Adjudicator Breiffni O'Neill ordered Ecoco Asian Kitchen Limited, trading as Ecoco Asian Kitchen, to pay Tommy Chee King Eng €30,150 for his unfair dismissal for gross misconduct on June 25, 2025. More here.

The General Secretary of the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) has said that teachers must receive a "substantial pay rise" in the upcoming public sector pay talks. Addressing delegates at the ASTI annual convention in Wexford, Kieran Christie said the Government has never moved on from the mindset of recession and austerity, RTÉ reports. 

The WRC has awarded more than €79,000 to an Indian national who was subjected to “economic slavery” while employed as a chef in Dundalk. The case was brought by the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) on behalf of Vasantkumar Barot against his employer, Madhu Foods Limited, which operates Guru Indian Cuisine in Dundalk, Co Louth. Read more from Irish Legal News. 

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Minister Dillon signs new Regulations to strengthen protection for workers exposed to hazardous chemicals

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment with responsibility for Small Business, Retail and Employment, Alan Dillon TD, has signed two new sets of Regulations into law. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances) (Amendment) Regulations 2026. Implementing EU Directive 2024/869, the new regulations aim to improve worker protection from the harmful effects of lead and diisocyanates. Both substances can pose serious health risks, including impacts on fertility, sexual function, the nervous system and other long term health problems. Access the article here. 

Surging violence and aggression in Irish hospitals

Doctor and Nursing unions say overcrowding and delays are a factor in the rising number of incidents. The Journal Investigates has found that over the past three years a minimum average of 18 incidents of challenging behaviour, aggression or even violence have been recorded each day, based on up-to-date figures from both HSE-run and voluntary hospitals. You can read more on this from the Journal.

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ROI- Case Law Round‑Up: Lessons on Disability and Reasonable Accommodations 

📅Tuesday 21st April 2026
⏰10 to 10:45 a.m.
📍Online

Disability remains the most cited reason for discrimination claims under the Employment Equality Act, according to the WRC’s most recent Annual Report. For employers and HR professionals, failing to manage accommodations or disability-related absences isn’t just tricky - it’s risky and expensive.

Join Sinead Morgan, Legal Director at DAC Beachcroft, for a practical 45-minute session where she will break down recent WRC and Labour Court decisions and share the key lessons HR teams wish they’d learned sooner. Discover actionable guidance on reasonable accommodations to keep your workplace inclusive, compliant, and far less stressful.

Register here.

Check out previous discussions:
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