Tips and gratuities bill
Deputy Griffin asks when legislation on payment of wages, tips and gratuities will be brought forward to protect hospitality workers. The Tánaiste says the Bill will be published in the next session and hopes to enact it before the summer tourism season.
As Fine Gael Whip, I wish everyone a very happy Christmas. I hope everyone gets time with their families and loved ones over the Christmas period. I also thank the Ceann Comhairle for being a very fair referee in here. He does not have goal-line technology but he always gets the calls right - most of the time anyway. I thank him and all the staff in the Houses who do a fantastic job. Hopefully, we will get the call to see Darren Brady and co. this evening for a short while. This is the final question on promised legislation of the year.
Comment on this
Questions on Promised Legislation have kind of become like "Angela Scanlon's Ask Me Anything" over the last while but this question is on the payment of wages (amendment) (tips and gratuities) Bill. Further to the changes he is bringing about in government, what are the Tánaiste's plans in 2022 in that regard to protect front-line workers in the hospitality sector?
Comment on this
Starting with Deputy Carroll MacNeill's question, I believe the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, has the answer.
Comment on this
I thank the Ceann Comhairle very much. Today at 2 o'clock, I am meeting with all the heads of the HSE from right around the country to first and foremost understand their plan with regard to how they are addressing the virus, but most importantly also to note that the therapist staff, who are part of my 91 network disability teams, are to remain within the teams and therapy is to be delivered as an essential service.
Comment on this
With regard to Deputy Tóibín's question, I understand that the Minister, Deputy Coveney, referenced that matter. I will let him know it was raised again in the Dáil, however.
I will talk to the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and let him know about the issue regarding Kiltimagh to see if he can intervene with Irish Water in that regard.
The payment of wages (amendment) (tips and gratuities) Bill will be published in the next session. We intend to get it enacted hopefully before the summer tourism season.