Dr. Deirdre Curran:

I thank Deputy Dillon. I do not want to take up too much of other people's time. With regard to governance, it is confusing to me the role of this committee versus the hospitality role of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Clarity is needed on that governance at ministerial level. Beneath that level there is also the need, which we have already spoken about, for the State's involvement in governance because it cannot be left to hospitality employer bodies alone.

The priority for me would be worker voice, worker voice, worker voice. These workers are not being heard but they have many great things to say. They need to be heard in a better way. The tips legislation would be an easy win and we also need anti-bullying legislation. We cannot have a position where 63% of hospitality workers in this survey say they have witnessed or experienced bullying.

We have already mentioned the Workplace Relations Commission. Apprenticeships are great and there are more of them coming on stream. I note yesterday's budget had additional funding for that. Apprenticeships must cover how people can be protected against bullying and harassment and speak out if something bad happens. There is also other content that is not there. Apprenticeships cannot be a path to cheap labour or a campaign to bring in cheap workers. Such a path must have substance and the people who do an apprenticeship must see a pathway of progression coming from an apprenticeship. I should let others speak because I could go on.