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Representatives of the Irish Hotels Federation  and the Restaurants Association of Ireland  yesterday told the Oireachtas Employment Affairs Committee that service charges added to meal bills are not tips and could correctly be used to defray wage costs.

The IHF and RAI voiced support for a proposed Government bill that would explicitly outlaw the use by operators of tips to cover wage costs.

"One hospitality worker who does not get their tips is one too many," said RAI chief Adrian Cummins.

A draft of the Government proposal draws a "welcome distinction between tips and service charges", Mr Cummins said.

Service charges were not tips, he said.

 He welcomed a proposal that all outlets would post their policy on tips and service charges in a public place.

 

Restaurant workers nationwide experience high levels of abuse and harassment from owners, managers and chefs and often feel they have nowhere to turn for help, a researcher has told an Oireachtas committee.

 NUI Galway business and economics lecturer Deirdre Curran said her ongoing survey of waiters and other restaurant staff nationwide had found widespread ill treatment including “very prevalent” reports of sexual harassment.

 “I have been researching for three decades now and I have never before done research that has kept me awake at night. These people are crying out for a voice and crying out for protection,” Dr Curran told the Oireachtas Employment Affairs Committee.

Fáilte Ireland paid the US Golf Channel €187,500 toward the costs of broadcasting the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in Lahinch last July.

Figures provided by Fáilte Ireland in response to a Freedom of Information request show the agency paid third parties €495,187 toward staging the event.

In addition, Clare County Council oversaw a spend of €4m on upgrading the resort village, including €550,000 on new public toilets for Lahinch, €2.5m on coastal defences, and €700,000 on roads, footpaths and car park amenities.

Fáilte Ireland's spend included a €250,000 sponsorship of the event to the European Tour.

Donald Trump's Doonbeg golf resort has been granted planning permission for a €40m development that includes 53 holiday homes, a ballroom, leisure centre and new restaurant.

Clare County Council granted planning permission for the new development that is set to employ up to 100 people at its peak.

 As part of the 19 conditions attached to the grant of permission, the Trump Doonbeg resort must pay €391,054 toward public infrastructure.