Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome this Bill, which will finally see protection in place for employees in regard to tips. It will ensure those tips make their way into workers' pockets, regardless of the actions of bad employers. It is sad that we need legislation in this area. It is important to point out that most employers treat their employees well, but it is a reality that there are employers who use any opportunity to exploit their workers for financial gain.

I commend my Sinn Féin colleague, Senator Gavan, on his work in this area and on pushing the issue forward even when Fine Gael, when it was in government in the previous Dáil, was resistant to it. I welcome that the party has finally seen sense and made a positive move to regulate the area of tips. I congratulate all the people involved in pushing for this legislation, including those in the trade union movement who put in years of campaigning on this issue. They have been great advocates for those they represent. I hope this is the first move in the direction of proper protections for workers who may be exploited, particularly within the hospitality and tourism sectors. We know those sectors have an issue with tips not finding their way into employees' pockets. A range of research has demonstrated that anywhere between 30% and 50% of employees are not getting their tips. These figures are shocking when one considers the number of people who are in jobs in which they may get a tip.

This Bill makes a number of important provisions. It will prevent the practice of tips being used to top up employees' wages, which we all agree is very welcome. It places an obligation on employers to make their tip policy clear to customers in order that the latter know exactly who is getting any tip they give. This will give peace of mind to people who are unsure about tipping electronically. As proposed in Senator Gavan's legislation, this Bill will establish a right of redress for employees, as well as taking on the Senator's suggestion that service charges be treated the same as tips. The Government has taken on Opposition parties' suggestions and I hope that continues as we work together to improve the Bill further.

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