James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will mention those lovely words, "without interruption". I welcome this Bill. I also welcome the work that Senators Gavan and Nash and former Senator, Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, have done on it. This Bill is important and well worth discussing, and the amendments that have been moved are also important. The previous speaker mentioned that the LVA would have serious concerns about being involved in tips, which most of them are not. I believe most employers are good employers. They encourage tips and ensure that the staff get them. However, there are those who do not. That is clear and Senator Gavan has made that point eloquently. As a student, I worked in the industry myself years ago. People have mentioned students. This industry is an important source of income to get them through college. There are many more people who work in the industry full time. This is a significant part of their income. In reply to comments on how this might be treated by Revenue, I note that the other word for a tip is a "gratuity". It is, therefore, free and I hope it will remain free from the Revenue Commissioners' attention.

This House has generally been good at passing Bills that make sense without any party politics. I welcome the opportunity to support this Bill on behalf of the Government.