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HEALTH MINISTER SIMON Harris has said the interview with Fine Gael TD Maria Bailey about her insurance claim case against a hotel was “unfortunate”.
Fine Gael sources said party HQ was not made aware that Bailey would be on the programme, and said it was “discourteous” of RTÉ not to inform them that Bailey was due to be on the radio show ahead Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty.
Speaking to reporters at the RDS, Harris said it would have been appropriate for Bailey to meet with the Taoiseach before taking to the airwaves this morning on RTÉ’s Sean O’Rourke programme.
“I think that is regrettable that didn’t happen in advance of the interview, I think that would have been an important that he was afforded the opportunity to have that meeting with Maria, she obviously made the decision to go on radio this morning,” said Harris.
“My understanding is that is a decision she made of her own volition, as is her right. I think it would have been better if she had the meeting with the Taoiseach first.”
Minister Simon Harris says Maria Bailey should have met with the Taoiseach before going on the radio today. pic.twitter.com/F23iqMwsuI
— TheJournal Politics (@TJ_Politics) May 27, 2019
When asked about the interview, the health minister said:
“I think it was an unfortunate interview. I think when you withdraw a claim I think it is in and of itself an acknowledgement of the fact that perhaps that claim shouldn’t have proceeded, yet the interview seems to be very much in the space of blaming lots of other people.”
Speaking on the radio, Bailey said the media “has crossed the line of public invasion and humanity” in the controversy over her now-dropped personal injury claim against a Dublin hotel.
The Dún Laoghaire TD drew criticism last week after it emerged that she had filed legal proceedings against the Dean Hotel after she fell from a swing at the venue.
The hotel denies any negligence.
Bailey had claimed she suffered injuries to her head, lower back and hip in the alleged incident.
In an interview with RTÉ’s Sean O’Rourke this morning, Bailey defended her claim and said she was “genuinely hurt” by the fall.
Bailey interview
Bailey was strongly critical of the media for its coverage of the story, saying it acted as “judge, jury and executioner” in the case.
“Due to the unbelievable abuse, I wasn’t able to go home for three days last week because journalists were sitting at my home. That is an invasion of my privacy and humanity has been crossed,” Bailey said.
“This has obviously been a very stressful time, I can imagine on a personal level for Maria for her family, I don’t wish to say anything to add to that,” added Harris.
Harris indicated that the case caused damage to Fine Gael’s election campaign, stating:
“I think members up and down the country would have appreciated if it [the insurance claim] was going to be withdrawn that it happened before the local and European elections and not after. I think perhaps had that situation happened the situation could have been more effectively dealt with.”
Fine Gael reaction
Some Fine Gael members have reacted to the interview, stating that they are in disbelief as to why Bailey thought it would be a good move to go on the radio programme.
One Fine Gael source said: “It’s possibly the worst political interview I’ve ever heard.”
They added that it was a complete “solo run” by the TD to take to the radio, describing it as a “car crash” interview.
Another Fine Gael TD said the interview shows a serious lack of judgement on the part of Bailey. They said they have a lot of empathy for her, “probably more than anyone else in the party”, but said going on the radio programme was a “rookie mistake” that an experienced politician wouldn’t make.
“My heart goes out to her… I feel very upset about it… I don’t think she did it intentionally, but she has caused huge damage to the party,” they added.
‘Solo run’
Party sources said they heard about the interview just like everyone else when she was live on air. It is understood that she was advised not to do any media interviews about the case.
Speaking to Sean O’Rourke, Doherty said it’s a “pity” Bailey did the interview as part of a “series of judgement errors in my opinion”.
“I think she did herself a disservice this morning,” she said.
A number of TDs have said the case definitely had an impact on the Fine Gael local election result, with one TD stating that it could have lost about 100 votes or more per candidate, which affected those candidates who are on the edge of getting elected.
During the interview, Bailey was asked about the specifics of her fall, which occurred before she was elected as a TD in 2016.
“We purchased a drink each at the bar, which we didn’t consume,” she said.
We went up in the lift, we saw the swings. Nobody was drunk, nobody was messing. They’re like polished woods these seats, I sat in them, I did have a bottle of beer in my hand and next I knew I was on the floor.
“I had my beer in my hand and I was reaching for my friend, who had a bottle of wine, she was taking her camera out of her jacket. I then found myself on the floor, I was mortified,” she added.
Bailey was specifically asked whether she had things in both hands when she fell off the swing. The TD responded that this was not for her to answer.
Can’t get Staff?? Paying them with their own Tips. Pure Greed.
Slight error. Legislation is to be passed, to try ensure tips given to staff, actually get to them.
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This is 100% welcomed by many and rightly so. Credit due here where it’s due.
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The bad news is that the government has chickened out of doing away with “Service charges” that are stuck on the purchase of tickets.
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Additional Service Charge add ons, have been banned by other European countries – mainly because (a) actual staff don’t get the money sent and, (b) A lot of the time it’s computerised ticket processing, little or no staff actually involved.
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In other words, the sellers get to profit twice for the same one sold item. #RipOffIreland allowed to continue. General public left exploited. Ticketmaster, etc, wins.
@Jeff Rudd: was in a Spanish restaurant last night. They added a service charge to the meal of about 10%. Happens everywhere.
@Dave Connolly: In that case, you were robbed. In some EU countries they have been already outlawed. As regards Spain, google a news report by Paula De Biase, Jan 28th 2022. These charges do not apply everywhere.
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This was seen (and mentioned by media) in contrast, regarding the selling of recent Bruce Springsteen tickets. It was pointed out that Italy and other EU states had done away with their ticket service charges – while In Ireland they were still allowed to be applied.
@Dave Connolly: Service charge tips are indeed, still allowed to be added to meals – as long as the staff get them. A “Service charge” on a ticket is not legislated for in Ireland even though the companies make out this is because of staff work done – whereas it’s software automated most of the time. In other words, an extra slap-on charge for the companies to even more profit.
Tipping good service in a gastro pub or restaurant, is an important part of the service industry. Without tipping, there is no incentive for staff in providing an excellent experience. Otherwise you will get basic service as if you are in a diner or your work canteen. Nobody wants this on a night out. Service in restaurants in the better restaurants is top class, because of the tipping culture. Tipping should not be automatic or mandatory. It should only be the customers choice.
@John Costello: but if the mission was to incentivise staff would you not tip them before your meal instead of after it? After all they don’t know if you are going to leave a tip at all. That doesn’t offer much incentive.
Can anybody explain to me why restaurants apply a service charge to tables of 6 or more? The argument that this is due to the extra work involved with a large party does not make any sense as the same 6 people seated as 3 tables of 2 would be less efficient (i.e. greater service required) and yet would not attract the group service charge.
@Kevin Collins: That’s a good point! I often wondered about that myself.
@Kevin Collins: turn around of tables
Small table pax stay on less
Larger groups stay longer
@Mark Walsh: hmmm I suppose that explains it alright. I’d still think larger groups spend proportionally more – if you calculated it on a per minute, per square metre basis that is.
@Kevin Collins: if there was 3 tables of 2 all with a €60 bill then normally they would leave a €10 tip each bringing it to €30 tip –
But one table of six with a €180 bill and no SC would round bill to €200 leaving only a €20 tip.
Why do people tip, i never do, their getting payed for the work they do if they want to work for slave wages that’s their problem
@Noel Donohue: I hate this tipping “culture”. But it’s an excuse to underpay staff. I really hate it in the states where they tell you how much you are tipping them.
@Noel Donohue: You’re a real prince.
@Noel Donohue: I didn’t know it was Christmas already…..You complete and utter GRINCH
Hello Mr. Pink
@Noel Donohue: When you are out do people realise they are in the presence of greatness themselves or do you tell them?
Spolit little lad I would imagine.
@Noel Donohue: poor spelling aside, that’s a very dim comment.
@Noel Donohue: I’ve never heard of anyone who wanted to work for slave wages. You know jack**** about their circumstances but still feel the need to put them down on this forum.
@Noel Donohue: Lots of people out there on great salaries having put themselves through college who made ends meet in their student days working in the service industry relying on tips.
@Noel Donohue: because they want to. Nobody is forcing you too give any either.
@Noel Donohue: well Noel’ I hope you kids when they are trying to go through life and maybe end up in the service industry won’t be serving tools like yourself
Lots of genuine decent intelligent people tip
We know where you stand in the above rankings
@Noel Donohue: I hope you inform the staff at the start of your meal that you not believe in tipping
In many nordic countries, service is included in the price you see on the menu. A tip is only encouraged if you were satisfied with the service.
A stark contrast to the United States, where staff live off the tip.
@Finn H. Schoyen: I worked as a waiter many years ago in Boston. My wages were crap but weeks I’d be clearing nearly a $1000 in tips. It was crazy.
@John Barry: you must have been working in Hooters!
@John Costello: research shows tipping does not improve service. I suggest you watch https://youtu.be/q_vivC7c_1k
The industry needs to pay its staff properly.
We wouldn’t expect to tip any other industry to just get good service, instead we just expect good service for the money we pay. Do you go to clothes shops or dentists and tip for good service?
Trade unions are the answer. American workers on pittance wages are fighting back and the same can be done here.
25 years later the government wakes up to realise that it is wrong for employers to dip into their staff tips. There is slow change and then there is standing still until someone pushes you. A complete joke
@Radek Warchola: exactly. 35 years ago it was happening when I worked in hospitality. Its shocking how slow this is
@Dearbhla O Reilly: legislation to protect hospitality workers and nurses specifically should be drafted and presented to the government and the president for signing. The abuse in the sector is shocking. And the goverment does nothing.
Will this cover food delivery apps such as deliveroo? Hopefully it will
@Decky Morgan: Yes, service charge will be changed to delivery charge
@Mick Hyland: but will that delivery charge go 100% to the rider? If not, what percentage do they get?
@Decky Morgan: if you tip a delivery rider in cash that goes to the rider. If you add it on to paying by card It likely doesn’t. Pay in cash.
I cannot believe this is still happening.
I think set service charges should be banned as it should be at the discretion of the customer. I always tip but prefer to give it seperately from my bill
I always ask the staff does the service charge go to them as a tip. If it doesn’t I have it removed and tip them in cash. Alot of places out there where it doesn’t go them so just ask.
I always tip but always ask if staff get tips if not its straight into the hand of staff that attended the table..
Was in a restaurant in Dublin on Monday night and they now have the cheek to just include the gratuity on the bill automatically…
Is this new law not just then ensuring that the employees all get taxed on their tips?
@Sarah Lou: should they not be taxed on income?
I, like a lot of others, get taxed on every red cent I make.
@Caoimhghin Whyte: Oh wow thats amazing, I myself as a self employed individual am tax exempt on all fronts….. m*ppet
While its good for the staff to get the tips directly, it should have always been this way. Now it will actually happen. Good out of the box thinking here for a change
Fairly shocked this happens.I worked in bars and restaurants when I was in school and the staff got the tips
Restaurant staff in general in this country earn decent wages, most kitchen workers do not receive tips as they are generally divided between the floor staff, maybe this is something that restaurant owners should monitor. Some senior chefs come out with less money during the high season than some of the floor staff because of this.
Service charges are a joke and they should not be allowed except when booking a table for more than 8 people and it should only be used as a reserve on a table, at that they could easily be renamed.
Ask Adrian he is on the radio all the time spouting muck about staff shortages. No wonder.
Please note all CC tips, that you think are going to the waiter are not. The government received 21% of it.
Tips received by Electronic payments are classed as revenue & taxed again by way of the employees wages PAYE System . Leo should sort out this also as it might entice experienced staff back. Service charge is a smoke screen.
Tip in cash if feel your server deserves it. They won’t forget your face the next time.
have your say