Mr. Adrian Cummins:

I thank the Deputy for her questions. My colleague, Mr. Fenn, clearly outlined the issues surrounding the service charge. He and I are at one on the issue. Each business may decide on its pricing model. It is not for me to determine or tell a business what to do with the service charge. I am precluded from discussing the issue of price. The Competition Authority would have an issue if I were to do so. We welcome the provisions of the Bill which deal specifically with tips and gratuities. The public should know that all workers receive their tips and gratuities. On the service charge, as my colleague stated, there is a contractual agreement between the customer and the business.

When they enter into a contractual agreement, that is it. Clearly, an agreement as part of a contract is separate from the issue.

Will the Deputy remind me of her question about the Low Pay Commission?