Asthmatic garda put back on the beat amid Covid-19 surge 'grossly exaggerating' safety needs, State says

A garda with severe asthma has brought complaints of disability discrimination, harassment and victimisation before the Workplace Relations Commission, alleging he was ordered to return to frontline duties at Longford Garda Station during a winter Covid-19 surge in January 2022, contrary to medical advice to cocoon. The garda, who has served since 2000, claims he was directed to report for foot patrol on 1 January 2022 despite health vulnerabilities and poor workplace safety measures. State counsel argued the garda was "grossly exaggerating" safety requirements and that appropriate protective measures were in place. The State also contends there are jurisdictional issues with the commission hearing the claims. The garda's legal representatives countered that management showed a dismissive attitude towards disability accommodation. The tribunal heard closing arguments on the ninth day of hearings in the equality case today.