Martin Ferris
Question:253. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline his plans to review and introduce further regulations to prevent potential victim trafficking in the fishing sector. [22503/18]
View answerTuesday, 22 May 2018
Questions (253)
Written answers
I am advised by officials of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department that The Atypical Scheme for Sea Fishers was established as a cross Departmental response to address the matter of non-EEA workers on certain categories of vessels in the Irish fishing fleet. A number of Departments are involved in the scheme and it is monitored by an Oversight Committee, which is chaired by the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, with members from relevant Departments and State Agencies. It is not therefore within the remit of my Department to amend or introduce new regulations in relation to the Atypical Worker Scheme for Sea Fishers and any changes to the scheme would in the first instance be a matter for the Oversight Committee and the relevant Departments and would also require the approval of Government.
I can assure the Deputy of my Department's commitment, in conjunction with relevant Government Departments and State Agencies, to ensure appropriate legislation and regulations are in place to prevent trafficking and protect potential victims of trafficking, regardless of the circumstances in which it arises.