Bill is tipped to be made law

CABINET ministers voted not to oppose proposed legislation from Sinn Fein to give restaurant staff the legal right to keep their tips.

The Private Member’s Bill will be debated on the floor of the Seanad today and without the Fine Gael senators against it, it will proceed to the next stage in the Oireachtas.

Sinn Fein’s Paul Gavan said: “This is a simple Bill which would give protection to employees who work in a hospitality sector dominated by low pay and precarious work.

“Most people are actually surprised to hear workers do not, in fact, have a legal right to their tips.

“The public would also be shocked to hear research produced in 2017 highlights that one-third of all tips are stolen by employers on a regular basis.

“Our Bill was originally debated in January 2018 and passed with all party support. We’re looking for that same level of support as the Bill progresses through its final steps.”

It is unusual for Fine Gael to support a Sinn Fein Bill of any description, so of course they have some reservations about it going forward.

A spokesman for the Government said the Cabinet discussed it and have concerns it may be tough to make the law as proposed legally binding.

It was also argued it is happening on a major scale”. “not