Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not think the Minister has used the advice of the Low Pay Commission. In the Bill that she has put forward, she has disregarded the main concern of the commission by reclassifying the service charge to reduce take-home pay. Senator Gavan's definition seems to put down on paper the common understanding of the witness from the Low Pay Commission. I regard this not as a reclassification but a clarification.

Does Dr. Curran or Ms McCord think that, if we were able to bring Senator Gavan's Bill forward before Christmas and action was taken relating to tips, it would give encouragement to workers who are currently in despair, especially in terms of the issue of union membership? How important is Christmas for tips?