Lecturer settles claim for unfair dismissal

A PHILOSOPHY lecturer who, it was claimed, had been treated "in an appalling fashion" while working at UCD has settled her claims for unfair dismissal at the Employment Appeals Tribunal.

Dr Mara Rainwater was employed by UCD on a one year fixed term contract starting in September 1993. A second contract was not renewed.

Mr Roddy Horan, counsel for Dr Rainwater, said his client had been subjected to "invidious discrimination" which had given rise to two other legal actions.

Mr Horan told the tribunal yesterday that Dr Rainwater had worked as a tutor and lecturer in UCD since 1991. She was also involved in research.

"While her classification was as a temporary, she was performing some duties as a permanent. Her workload was greater than some permanents," he said.

Dr Rainwater's second contract purported to exclude the application of the Unfair Dismissals Act, but where there were back to back fixed term contracts, the tribunal was entitled to say there was an agreement to circumvent the legislation, Mr Horan said.

Mr Ercus Stewart SC, for UCD, said his client was not reluctant to deal with the matters raised, but these were the subject of other proceedings and were sub judice. He asked for an adjournment to hear details of the allegations. When the tribunal resumed, Dr Rainwater withdrew her claim and the case was settled for an undisclosed sum.