Annie Hoey (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their attendance. It always strikes me when we talk about hospitality workers that there is a public perception they are all young, mostly students and working part-time. There is an idea they are only working in the industry to supplement some other lifestyle, such as a student who needs to make extra money. It is obvious, however, that this is not the case. I worked in the hospitality sector for a long time and loved it, despite all the issues the witnesses have outlined today. I had both great employers and brutal employers. However, the public perception to which I referred certainly remains. One hears it in the discussions on radio shows, together with a somewhat dismissive attitude that these are only temporary, seasonal workers who will move on quickly. In fact, we are talking about people's livelihoods. There are people who go to college to study to work in the sector and they are not just doing it on a part-time, ad hocbasis. This is their career and livelihood.

Is that mistaken perception potentially causing some of the issues in terms of getting buy-in politically? Is there a need to shift perceptions about the people who work in the sector? I worked with students for a long time and there is a tendency towards a dismissive attitude to the effect that the work is not permanent and they will get out of the industry eventually. Will the witnesses comment on whether this type of perception is an issue?

I have a lot of questions but will confine myself to one more. If there is time, I will come in again. Legislation will be debated in the Seanad this evening that deals with the treatment of tips. I know Mr. Shevlin is doing a lot of work on the campaign on tipping in Galway. Does he have any thoughts on the Bill, whether good, bad or otherwise, and what we should be doing in this regard? It is Government legislation but it is not being opposed by anybody in the Opposition. I would like to hear his thoughts on it.