Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
265. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he envisages his Department will make a decision on permitting the owners of Irish flagged fishing vessels to employ non-EEA fishers under one of its work permit schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32411/23]
View answerThe Department of Justice report on the Review of the Atypical Scheme for non-EEA Crew in the Irish Fishing Fleet concluded that the employment of non-EEA crew in the Irish fishing fleet, which had been catered for under the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) since 2015, should be provided for under the Employment Permits system.
The occupation of Sea-fisher is currently on the Ineligible Occupations List and, as such, is not eligible for an employment permit. Sectors submissions seeking amendment to regulations to provide access for the role of fisherman to the employment permits system have been undergoing review with a report on recommendations and any changes necessary is being finalised at present.
The timeframe for implementation of the Department of Justice's recommendations was expected to be up to 12 months from its announcement date which was October 2022.
