Dept ordered to pay €40,000 to victimised worker

The Equality Tribunal has ordered the Department of Defence to pay €40,000 to one of its employees for victimisation.

Tom Barrett, an assistant principal officer, said he was left in an office by himself with no meaningful work after complaining about being bullied by his supervisor.

The tribunal upheld Mr Barrett's complaint and ordered the department to give him work consistent with his position.

Meanwhile, CARI, a support group for people affected by child abuse, has been ordered to pay €35,000 to one of its psychotherapists.

The tribunal found that Joanna Fortune was discriminated against on the grounds of her age.

She had complained that a colleague consistently said she was too young for the job and canvassed against her being promoted.