Kim Murphy with her current guide dog Kai 

The WRC had ordered Hertz to update its policies and procedures to make specific provision for people with disabilities, including blind people who require the carriage of a guide dog. Hertz has now confirmed to IHREC that it has amended its terms and conditions accordingly.

Kim Murphy, who brought the successful complaint with the support of IHREC, said:

“I am very proud that the result of this case has brought about positive change for all guide and assistance dog owners and indeed the wider disabled community.

“People like me who use a guide dog as a sole means of mobility simply wish to enjoy our lives without discrimination or the stress that we could be financially penalized because of using a guide or assistance dog.

“Hertzs’ change to their terms and conditions means nobody in the future will experience what I did which is extremely reassuring and is a clear yardstick for other businesses and services.”

The case arose after Hertz applied a €150 cleaning charge to a rental vehicle in which Ms Murphy had travelled with her guide dog, Jango. The WRC found that the charge discriminated against her on the ground of disability and ordered Hertz to pay €10,000 in compensation, apologise to Ms Murphy and update its policies and procedures.

Liam Herrick, chief commissioner of IHREC, said: “We welcome the changes Hertz has now made to its terms and conditions in response to the WRC’s order. This is an important practical outcome of Ms Murphy’s case and means that the experience she encountered should not be repeated for other blind people and guide dog users renting a vehicle from Hertz.

“Guide and assistance dogs play an essential role in enabling many people with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in everyday life. Businesses providing services to the public must ensure that their policies and practices take account of the rights and needs of people with disabilities.

We commend Ms Murphy for the courage she demonstrated in pursuing her complaint and for the positive change that has resulted from her case.”