Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This legislation was originally introduced by Senator Regina Doherty when she was Minister for Social Protection. I thank the Tánaiste and the Minister of State, Deputy English, for driving this important legislation forward. It is important for a couple of different reasons, as many other Deputies have highlighted, and it is great to see such unanimity on any legislation. It is important for transparency and for every customer who uses hospitality services to know that the money he or she adds to a bill as a tip goes to the people who work in that business. It is important to have clarity from the restaurant's perspective in order that it is not accused, as some have been, of appropriating tips inappropriately or in a way the customer did not intend. On the basis that only a very small number, we hope, have engaged in that behaviour, this Bill will allow for transparency and a stronger reputation for everybody in the industry, which I am sure will be welcome. Obviously, it is most important for workers in hospitality, who now have complete clarity on the money to which they are entitled and how it will be presented on bills. I think the legislation will enhance relationships between employers and employees in the hospitality sector.

As my colleague, Deputy Higgins, said, there has been a transformation in the fortunes of the hospitality sector recently. From a time when we wondered how and when people would get back to work and the circumstances in which they would do so, we are now struggling with vacancies. The Minister of State, Deputy English, will know better than anyone the number of people we need to come to work not just in hospitality but also in other sectors across our economy as our population grows and our economy booms and as we need more and more people to come to work in a range of different sectors. I hope this legislation, as well as providing transparency and certainty, will make coming to Ireland more attractive, with people knowing that it is a place where they will have their rights fulfilled, their salaries paid and their tips given to them without any messing around by anyone. It is very strong legislation that balances well the interests of everybody concerned, namely the triangle of employers, staff and customers. I support the Bill wholeheartedly.

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