Former FAI employee claims he was unfairly dismissed

DEVELOPMENT OFFICER’S CASE COMES BEFORE TRIBUNAL

A FORMER Wicklow soccer development officer last week claimed at an employment tribunal he was unfairly dismissed by the FAI.

Former FAI employee and Gorey resident Paul Sheridan claimed he was unfairly dismissed from his job when the FAI introduced redundancies in November 2010.

The Tribunal was told that recruitment then took place for new positions shortly afterwards. FAI Human Resources Director Stephen Driver appeared before the tribunal, while Paul Sheridan will give evidence on June 5 next.

Mr. Driver said he wasn't aware of any performance issues with Mr Sheridan who was responsible for soccer development in Wicklow, Wex- ford and Carlow between 2002 and 2007.

The number of development officers increased thanks to co- funding from the local authorities and other agencies, so in 2007, Paul Sheridan's role changed from regional development officer, to development officer - and was one of two officers responsible for Wicklow.

The tribunal heard the FAI made eight development officers redundant in 2010 before re- employing two of them in similar roles at lower pay.

Both officers for Wicklow were made redundant, and following an interview, Paul Sheridan was unsuccessful in getting the one position that was subsequently created.