‘He has to be fired immediately’ - how landlord Marc Godart punished workers for cooperating with authorities

Previously on In the News, Irish Times Europe correspondent Naomi O’Leary explained how Dublin-based landlord Marc Godart deployed CCTV to monitor tenants within their homes, faced accusations of unlawful eviction and failed to pay compensation to former tenants as ordered by the Residential Tenancies Board.

On today’s episode Naomi shares a new cache of voice messages and documents that shows how Luxembourger Godart treats his employees, including summary dismissal and fines for minor infractions.

The candid audio reveals a ruthless attitude to employees that mirrors the treatment of tenants.

The documents also show attempts to establish new companies under the identities of people unconnected with Godart and his family, and the offering of payment to workers who find people willing to allow the use of their identity to set up an Airbnb account.

Ireland-Britain diplomatic row: Cabinet approves emergency legislation to return asylum seekers to UK

---

Newton Emerson: Rwanda immigration law may turn out to be another Brexit

---

Battle for 14 Irish seats in European elections to be fought by 74 candidates

---

Man charged after alleged assault on woman (80s) in Westmeath care home

---

Also on the podcast: Many of those working for Godart are hired as independent contractors, and their contracts stipulate that the law of Luxembourg applies to their relationship with Godart’s companies, despite them working in Ireland.

[ Working for Marc Godart: ‘Paper directors’, shadow Airbnb accounts, ruthless staff practices ]

But the law is not on Godart’s side when it comes to these arrangements, as barrister Claire Bruton explains.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon.