Kate Brennan v Dublin University, Trinity College Trinity College Dublin [2025]
Decision Number: ADJ-00049360 Legal Body: Workplace Relations Commission
Published on: 29/04/2025
Article Authors The main content of this article was provided by the following authors.
Patrick Barrett BL Barrister-at-Law
Patrick Barrett BL Barrister-at-Law
Patrick barrett case reviews

The Bar of Ireland

Orchard Way, Killarney V93Y9W9.
DX: 51010 Killarney 
Tel: (087) 4361270

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.

Complainant:
Kate Brennan
Respondent:
Dublin University, Trinity College Trinity College Dublin
Summary

Fair procedures during probation crucial to avoid unfair dismissal.

Background

The Complainant commenced her employment with the Respondent in September 2022 in the role of Executive Officer. She asserted that, when she was notified of the termination of her employment on 30 August 2023, no substantive reasons for her dismissal were provided. Following receipt of the notice, the Complainant continued to work throughout her notice period. Her employment effectively ended on 29 September 2023 (her final day of work).

The Respondent argued that the WRC had no jurisdiction to hear the complaint, as the Complainant did not have the required service under the Act. It was asserted that the probationary period was less than one year and, under s.3

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Disclaimer The information in this article is provided as part of Legal Island's Employment Law Hub. We regret we are not able to respond to requests for specific legal or HR queries and recommend that professional advice is obtained before relying on information supplied anywhere within this article. This article is correct at 29/04/2025
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