The Labour Court recommended that Eircom honour its commitment to reimburse staff membership fees for professional bodies. Its recommendation was signed on 19 August 2002. The Irish Municipal, Public And Civil Trade Union said a 1985 circular and established practice supported full refunds. Eircom argued that reimbursement was discretionary and offered partial refunds, with full refunds in limited cases. The Court said any changes to the established practice should be negotiated and agreed.