Inland Fisheries worker who quit in wake of FOI request over letting of State property loses claim

A former part-time administrator with Inland Fisheries Ireland has lost a constructive dismissal claim at the Workplace Relations Commission. Joanna Canney, who worked for the agency for fifteen years on a €31,000-annual salary, resigned in August 2022 following a media report and Freedom of Information request concerning a commercial arrangement she and her husband held to manage holiday accommodation at an Inland Fisheries property in County Mayo. Ms Canney alleged she was subjected to a smear campaign and suffered undue pressure regarding the leasing deal. Adjudicator Louise Boyle found that while management conduct lacked professionalism and empathy at times, the agency had legitimate responsibilities to process the FOI request. The adjudicator noted Ms Canney had indicated willingness to move forward after the commercial arrangement ended in October 2021, and that she had not filed a formal grievance before resigning. The complaint was rejected.