Dr. Deirdre Curran:

To answer Senator Higgins, if Senator Gavan's Bill goes through it will give confidence to the workers affected. These workers feel abandoned and feel like they have neither a voice nor support. ONE Galway handed out postcards on St. Valentine's Day and at Christmas in support of Senator Gavan's Bill. It suggested to people on the street that if they were going to have a meal, they should ask where the tip goes. When I ask in restaurants where the tip goes, they say many people are asking. They know that there has been a focus on the tips Bill. I teach employment relations to hundreds of students every year and they are acutely aware that this is happening because I bring my research into the classroom. Many of them work in the hospitality sector and this would give them confidence to speak up about other issues and to look for support elsewhere. It is one indication to hospitality workers that somebody out there is willing to take action on their behalf.