An Employee v An Employer [2011]

This case involved an ex-Irish Army soldier who applied for a bus driver's post with Bus Eireann. He had an exemplary driving record and passed all the test except a hearing test. He argued that "...not hearing very low beeps on an audio test would not and has not had any effect on his ability to drive a bus, coach or car... he is being discriminated against on the grounds of a very slight disability."

The respondent argued it uses these test rigorously but it could not provide evidence that existing drivers or sub-contractors were subject to these tests on an ongoing basis. Awarding the claimant €6000 for discrimination in employment the Equality Officer said:

"...I accept the respondent's