Written answers

Tuesday, 19 July 2016

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Industrial Relations

Photo of Mick BarryMick Barry (Cork North Central, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

64. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the level of precarious work and low pay in the hospitality sector in light of the research shown in Enforced Flexibility? Working in Ireland today, by the Think-tank for Action on Social Change (details supplied). [22522/16]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Responsibility for working conditions and pay across all sectors in Ireland, including the hospitality sector, rests with my colleague the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.  I have no direct role or regulatory function in these matters.

In respect of the report to which the Deputy refers, I thank him for bringing it to my attention.  Few sectors provide such a wide range of opportunities for people to access the labour market as the tourism and hospitality sector – across all ages, skills levels and backgrounds; throughout the country, in urban and rural locations; and with a variety of working arrangements (full-time, part-time and seasonal).  The range of employment arrangements and hours can suit many workers, as well as the employer.  Given the higher than average proportion of part-time and seasonal workers in the sector, I would caution that average weekly wages are not a good comparator and the average hourly wage is a more useful indicator.  It should also be borne in mind that much of the data on earnings is exclusive of tips and other benefits such as meals, which many employees within the hospitality industry receive in addition to their hourly wages (particularly those involved in food and beverage service activities). 

In relation to training provision, I note the experiences of those interviewed for the report and the need to improve training and retention.  The report of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs in the Hospitality Sector which was published last year also noted the positive correlation between the application of good human resource management practice and businesses’ ability to attract and retain motivated staff.  That report set out a series of recommendations to improve training and skills development in the sector and a National Oversight and Advisory Group has been set up to progress these recommendations

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.