Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021
155. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress the Workplace Relations Commission has made into its enquiries regarding the report made to it by an organisation (details supplied) regarding the employment of three Egyptian nationals outside the terms of the atypical work permit scheme for non-EEA fishers on the FV Ellie Adhamh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31189/21]
View answerAt the outset I should emphasise that the Workplace Relations Commission inspectorate service is independent in its functions and does not comment on any ongoing investigations.
I understand that the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) received a communication on 18th April this year from this organisation concerning two Egyptian nationals who survived the sinking of this fishing vessel and a third Egyptian national, who, it was claimed, was also employed on, but was not on board, that vessel when it sunk. The organisation claimed that these three fishers were undocumented and did not have the required permission to work under the Atypical Worker Permission Scheme for fishers.
I understand that the Department of Justice has confirmed that two of the three fishers hold a Stamp 1 permission.
The WRC has advised that it is following up on any issues raised in the organisation’s communication which fall within the Commission’s areas of responsibility and the organisation concerned will be informed of the outcome as complainant.
