Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I know, but I just had to say that. I merely wanted to express the importance of this legislation.

The proposed change clarifies that we are drawing on the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. As I see it, we are also building on that work. That legislation outlines crucial workers' rights protections, including maximum working hours, mandatory rest times, annual leave requirements and complaints procedures.

These are victories won over decades, in large part as a result of the trade union movement and those fighting for fairer conditions for working people. They were not won easily but they have greatly improved the lives of people all over this country. I see this Bill as a continuation of that tradition.

As legislators, we need to assess how the employer-employee relationship is operating in practice, highlight instances of injustice and unfairness, and then legislate to tackle that where possible. That is what Senator Gavan and his Sinn Féin colleagues have done. I commend the Senator for his hard work in preparing this legislation. The Senator has my full support.

In reality, it is quite a minor step. We are not reinventing the wheel here. We are simply saying that workers in our hotels and restaurants should have the right to keep their hard-earned tips. It is a small change but it is very important to people who are working on low incomes and in precarious conditions who often rely, as I did, on tips to make ends meet.

Most Irish people would agree with this legislation. I would imagine that every person one talks to would say, "Of course, they have to get their tips." It is not rocket science. It is plain common sense.If the Minister agreed to the proposal, it would be fantastic. The Bill has been ready for a number of years and we should progress it today. Will the Minister support it?