Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 September 2022
649. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he or his departmental officials have met with representatives of the fishing vessel owner organisations since March this year to discuss the review of the atypical work permit scheme for non-EEA fishers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44829/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe review to which the Deputy is referring is led by the Department of Justice with assistance from officials in both my Department and that of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I understand that the Review Group afforded opportunities to all stakeholders to provide feedback on the operation of the existing scheme both via meetings and written submissions. I further understand that the Minister for Justice intends to bring the Review Group's report to Government for consideration.
In the meantime, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has co-ordinated engagement with employer representatives in the seafood sector (including fishing, seafood processing and aquaculture) to advise on the procedures and steps necessary to apply for sectoral access to its Employment Permit scheme and Bord Iascaigh Mhara has been assisting the sector in this regard. I understand that the most recent formal meeting in that regard took place in July.
