The ex-president of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV) has resolved a whistleblower protection claim against the organisation.
It follows hours of talks at the Workplace Relations Commission this morning, when a hearing into Gerry Coffey's complaint under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 was set to open.
A statement agreed between the parties, provided to the press this afternoon, states: "IPAV and Mr Gerry Coffey have resolved all and any issues between them and endeavour to put the recent period of dispute behind them."
The Co Galway auctioneer was appointed president of IPAV in 2022 and resigned last year.
After giving the parties time for talks this morning, adjudicator Jim Dolan reopened the hearing at 12.30pm this afternoon and said: "I think the good news is that matters have been resolved between the parties and there’s no need for my intervention."
He congratulated the parties and said it appeared "common sense may have prevailed".
Jason Murray BL, appearing instructed by Orpen Franks Solicitors, for the respondent, and Mr Coffey’s solicitor John Hennesey, both confirmed the position.
Mr Dolan said he would keep the file open for three weeks before treating the complaint as withdrawn in the absence of countermanding correspondence from the complainant side.
Mr Coffey thanked the chairman for his "time and courtesy" and also thanked his family and his solicitor.
At the time of a case management hearing in February, the respondent’s legal team had suggested that up to 15 witnesses might have to give evidence if the case went on.
Three full days had been set aside by the Commission to hear the matter this week, which have now been vacated.
