Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak to the Bill, which was sponsored by the Sinn Féin Member, Senator Gavan, and I am delighted that it has been passed on all Stages in the Seanad. I hope the support we have received from other parties will continue as the Bill makes its way through the House.

The Government predictably opposed the Bill, which is unfortunate. I was disappointed, in particular, with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister of State at the Department, Deputy Griffin, who did not think enough of those working in the sector to support our Bill. I hope they reconsider their position and take seriously their responsibilities towards those employed in the tourism industry. Often, when tourists visit Ireland, the reception they receive from those working in the hospitality sector stays with them forever.

This is known as the land of the céad míle fáilte but if we look at any of the TripAdvisor reviews, the making or breaking of any business, whether it is a hotel, a bar or a club, is the reception people receive from the staff working in the hospitality area.

Many people are surprised that hospitality workers do not have the legal right to their tips and that one third of all tips are taken from them by their employers on a regular basis. This Bill will make it illegal for any employer to withhold, deduct or demand the return of a tip from an employee. The Bill will also require that employers display their tipping policy on menus or in another suitable manner to ensure that customers have transparency with regard to whom and how their tip is distributed.

As Sinn Féin spokesperson on tourism, I am acutely aware of the poor pay and conditions endured by many workers in the sector. The Government, every so often, brags that 260,000 people are employed in tourism but it ignores the fact that many of these workers have to contend with low pay, and uncertainty in respect of working hours and seasonal work, which leaves many people having to draw social welfare over the winter months. The very least these workers deserve is to be in control of their own tips. Hospitality workers work hard and they often work long and unsociable hours. By God, they earn their tips and they rely on them because most people in the sector earn very little pay.

Employers have nothing to fear from this Bill. The only people who will lose out are employers who steal the tips of their employees. The Government might prioritise such people but anyone with a common shred of decency will recognise how wrong and unfair that is.

This Bill is short, simple and to the point. It will give workers the legal right to their tips and it is positive legislation. I hope the Government thinks over what it is doing and comes on board to support the Bill.

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