Do Volunteers Have Employment Rights in Ireland?

Volunteers are not employees and generally do not have the same rights under Irish employment law. However, they are protected in certain areas, such as health and safety under the Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work Act 2005, and are entitled to equal treatment under the Equal Status Acts 2000–2018.

While volunteers may receive reimbursements for expenses, they are not entitled to wages or employment-related benefits. Organizations should provide clear volunteer agreements to define roles and expectations without creating an employment relationship.

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