Irish Rail told to pay into fund for disabled staff

Irish Rail has claimed it has no financial resources to help create a fund to cater for staff who suffer a disability as a result of a work-related injury.

However, the Labour Court has ruled that it must contribute 30% towards the cost of setting up such a scheme, designed to assist Irish Rail employees who are found medically unfit to continue in their role and for whom redeployment is not possible.

Trade unions representing Irish Rail workers had sought the establishment of an “income continuance plan” for staff unable to work, as part of an agreement that all employees be subject to periodical compulsory medical check-ups.