asked the Minister for Transport and Power how many registered hotels in the Republic of Ireland operate a service charge; how many operate a service charge in lieu of gratuities; how many operate a service charge which is not distributed among the staff and if patrons are informed of this circumstance; and what system does Bord Fáilte or other authority employ to ensure that a service charge in lieu of gratuities is distributed among the staff.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hotel Service Charges.
36.
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that 573 hotels operate a service charge. Where a service charge is in operation no gratuities are expected for normal services rendered and the acknowledgment of exceptional services is, of course, a matter for the discretion of the visitor. The board have no function in relation to the distribution of the service charge revenue among staffs. This is a matter between the hoteliers and their staffs or their representatives. The Deputy is no doubt aware that the Employment Regulation Order (Hotels Joint Labour Committee), 1969, prescribes minimum rates of pay and minimum levels of guaranteed gratuities and other conditions of employment for hotel workers throughout the State, with the exception of the County Boroughs of Dublin and Cork and the Borough of Dún Laoghaire. I understand that these areas were excluded from the operation of the order by agreement between the employers and trade unions.