A review of the Atypical Working Scheme for non-EEA fishers was carried out by the Department of Justice, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and my Department. As part of the review, stakeholders involved, or with an interest, in the Scheme, including relevant Government Departments and agencies, employer groups, solicitors representing applicants, the International Transport Workers Federation and others were invited to make submissions by 2 February 2022.
The Review Group recently concluded its work and its recommendations are under active consideration by the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, the Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Damien English and myself, with a view to bringing recommendations to Government in the near future.
In the meantime, the Oversight Committee, chaired by my Department, continues to oversee the Scheme whereby permits are issued to fishers by the Department of Justice.