2015-01-20 ยท Dublin
Ryanair wants preliminary hearing of issues in pilot's complaint to Equality Tribunal
Ryanair has applied to the High Court for a preliminary hearing on matters it says the Equality Tribunal should address before considering a complaint by former pilot John Goss. Goss claims he was dismissed in August 2013, two months before his 60th birthday, on the grounds of age discrimination. Ryanair denies the allegation, stating the dismissal was for gross misconduct and that its Dublin pilots retire at 60. The airline has repeatedly requested the Tribunal to hold a preliminary hearing to determine whether Goss's claims are frivolous, vexatious, untimely, or otherwise lacking merit, and to confirm the airline's right to set a retirement age. The Tribunal has not yet responded or given reasons for refusing the hearing. Ryanair seeks judicial review, orders for the Tribunal to reply substantively and promptly, and declarations that the Tribunal's failure breaches constitutional justice and fair procedure.