Ms McDonough, who has held the top post since October 2000, brought the case alleging age discrimination and victimisation, with the support of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

In January 2017, she applied to the chairperson of the Arts Council for flexible retirement. She wished to reduce her working hours from five days to four days per week from 1 April 2017, having previously indicated that this might be for a limited time as she was considering retirement.

Over the next period, no decision was taken on her request and she alleged that she was asked instead, on a number of occasions, about her plans to fully retire and if she had decided on a final retirement date. She became aware of speculation within the workplace about when she would retire and who might apply for the post. Ms McDonough considered this inappropriate and undermining to her position as chief executive.

Due to the failure to progress her request for flexible retirement, Ms McDonough commenced an internal grievance procedure and subsequently lodged proceedings claiming discrimination under the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations (NI) 2006. An internal panel upheld her grievance complaint and recommended that her flexible retirement request be processed immediately. She commenced flexible retirement in September 2017.

Anne McKernan, head of legal services at the Equality Commission, said: “In settling the case, the Arts Council has acknowledged and regrets the hurt and injury to feelings experienced by Roisin McDonough. It has reaffirmed its commitment to the principle of equality of opportunity in employment and will liaise with the Commission and review its policies and procedures concerning age. It will ensure that these policies and procedures relating to age are communicated to all staff and to Board members and that appropriate training is provided.

“Since the introduction of the Age Discrimination Regulation in 2006 and the abolition of the default retirement age in 2011, many people choose to work longer and many employers offer schemes such as flexible retirement. This helps our workplace retain talented and experienced members of staff for longer periods, which must be welcomed.”