Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 November 2016
38. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the low take up of work permits for the regularisation of atypical non-EEA fishermen; his further views on the apparent continued exploitation of non-EEA workers in the industry; the representations he has had with the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37685/16]
View answerA high level inter-departmental Task Force was set up by Government in November 2015 following reports of alleged abuses of migrant workers on board Irish fishing vessels. The Task Force received presentations and submissions from a number of relevant stakeholders including the Fisheries Producer Organisations.
The key outcome of the work of the Task Force is the establishment of a sector-specific Atypical Worker Permission system, which is an extension of the existing Atypical Worker Permission schemes administered by the Department of Justice and Equality (Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service – INIS).
The Task Force was focussed on bringing forward practical arrangements which will minimise the risks of exploitation while ensuring that reputable employers are able to recruit trained and experienced crew members.
The ceiling of 500 permissions per year recommended by the Task Force ensures that the employment of local populations in coastal communities is not impacted unduly. In order to attract and retain workers in the fishing industry, BIM offers a comprehensive range of training courses for new entrants, existing practitioners and those seeking to diversify into a career in the marine/maritime economy. In addition, BIM offers refresher and revalidation training for practising fishers looking to improve their skills and enhance their employment potential.
Since its launch in February 2016, 193 contracts have been recorded by the Central Depository which is hosted by my Department to ensure that the ceiling of 500 contracts is not exceeded. The Scheme is still active and contracts continue to be submitted to the Central Depository.
My Department does not have a role in the enforcement of employment or immigration law and its role in the Department of Justice and Equality scheme is limited solely to hosting the Central Depository.
