Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am minded to be disposed to the abolition of service charges. In any event, there should be full and absolute transparency governing them. Many people are under the impression that when they pay a service charge, it goes to workers and that is not the case in many instances. We need absolute transparency. Ideally, the consumer should hand tips directly to the employee, or to a group of employees, however those mechanisms can be facilitated, as an additional contribution if he or she is so minded. That needs to be absolutely clarified and in the context of the legislation going through the House, the Tánaiste is anxious to clarify that and make it as transparent and simplified as possible in respect of the reality on the ground.

In respect of amendments to the Unfair Dismissals Act, a balance has to be struck between competing rights, practical issues with employment and so forth. Again, that is a matter we keep under constant review. Trade union activity in itself should not be the subject matter of a dismissal.

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