Background:

The Complainant, an Indian national represented by Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, made a series of complaints against the Respondent, a restaurant which employed the Complainant. The hearing was initially convened remotely, which was then adjourned to a later in-person hearing to allow the parties to consider written submissions which had been produced on the day of hearing. At the outset of the resumed in-person hearing, the Respondent objected to the attendance of two Gardaí who were in attendance to protect the Complainant as there had been a complaint of witness intimidation and a credible allegation of human trafficking. The Respondent wholeheartedly objected to the attendance of the Gardaí other than to provide evidence as required and made submissions