The damages awarded to Mrs Wynne related to a case of unfair dismissal by former employee Fiona Smyth, who worked as a secretary for the TD.
The dismissal took place after Ms Smyth was invited for an appraisal interview with Ms Wynne.
Mrs Smyth had asked for further clarification about the meeting before the meeting and had asked for a union representative from Mrs Smyth to be present.
However, based on these requests, Mrs Smyth was dismissed.
In her decision, WRC adjudicator Louise Boyle said Ms Wynne “did not follow any procedure prior to dismissal, failed to provide the complainant with a reason for dismissal, failed to offer an appeal process and failed to engage in mediation”.
“Whatever the reason(s) for the dismissal, which on Ms Wynne's evidence appear to have been varied, it is difficult to see how the decision to dismiss falls within the range of reasonable responses of a reasonable employer in the circumstances,” Ms Boyle added.
In its August 9 decision, the WRC ruled that Ms. Wynne must pay her former employee €11,500 in damages for the dismissal.
Ms Smyth said her experience was “exceptionally stressful”.
“The outcome we achieved at the WRC recognises that what was done to me was wrong and that means more than anything,” said Ms Smyth.
“I am so grateful for the support, guidance and representation I have received from my union during this extremely stressful experience,” she added.
Áine Feeney, a lawyer at SIPTU's Workers' Rights Centre, said Ms Smyth was given no reason by her employer for her dismissal and she found it “shocking to see a legislator have such little regard for a worker's legal rights”.
“Fiona found herself in a situation where she was called into a performance review meeting with her employer and asked for clarification about the meeting and the opportunity to have her union represented at the meeting, she was dismissed. This happened without her employer giving her a reason,” Ms Feeney said.
“The employer was unwilling to provide the appropriate policy in the case and following the dismissal the employer failed to provide any opportunity for appeal, contrary to best practice,” Ms Feeney added.
Peter Glynn, sector convener at SIPTU, said Ms Smyth's efforts to ensure her legal rights were upheld should be commended, particularly as her employer was a member of parliament.
“Fiona showed great strength and conviction in pursuing her claim despite facing opposition from the very beginning of the process.
“Her efforts to raise awareness of her treatment and ensure her legal rights were upheld are to be commended, particularly as her employer is a representative of the people,” Mr Glynn said.
Ms Wynne was first elected to the Dáil in 2020 as a Sinn Féin candidate in the Clare constituency. However, two years later the TD left the party and is now an independent.
Ms Wynne was approached for comment.