A bill is now in place to ensure the equitable distribution of tips in the workplace and curtail tip theft. The legislation works to guarentee that tips aren't being used to cover the cost of an employee's basic living wage.

Significant news this evening. Two new workers’ rights- sick pay & protection of tips - have been voted for by the Oireachtas, meaning they will now go to the President to be signed into law. Both will make a real difference to millions of workers across the country.

— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) July 13, 2022

The new policy will work to ensure tips are distributed in addition to the wages workers already earn. The legislation will also counteract 'tip theft'. The latter can happen in a myriad of ways including the charge of 'service fees' that take would-be-tips back into the pockets of employers.

It was the Irish Congress of Trade Unions that led a campaign for statutory sick pay to be introduced. Up to now workers had no legal right to it. Also it was a union campaign led by workers risking their jobs to have protection of tips law be introduced. https://t.co/a2N8kKUkSc

— Stephen Lewis (@vegansmithsfan) July 14, 2022

Passed by the Oireachtas, The Payment of Wages Bill gives employees legal entitlement to receive tips paid electronically. These tips are now required to be distributed in documented transparent means by the employer. The bill also ensures employers to display policies on mandatory charges and tip distribution (cash and card) prominently and clearly to employees.

While tipping isn't necessairly a cultural norm in Ireland, it's a kind gesture and one that should go directly back to the people who provide excellent service.

One of the cultural differences that took most by surprise in Ireland was tipping and the lack of it. You CAN and they appreciate it, but trying to tip our servers is like offering them my first born. I know it’s crazy, but apparently, the US doesn’t pay its workers fairly.

— John Reimann (@Johnnyrimes) July 12, 2022

After a year of these new policies in place, the Minister is required to review the legislation to assess its effectiveness and determine the necessity of further action.

The draft Allocation of Tips Bill was published last night ahead of it starting its Parliamentary journey tomorrow, so may be amended or changed. It’s extensive - 27 pages! - and will take some time to digest. More detailed thoughts and comments next week.

— Peter Davies (@peterdavies4371) July 13, 2022