Michael Collins
Ceist:528. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Justice if a scheme is open currently to bring in non-EEA fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10200/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 February 2023
Ceisteanna (528)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the review of the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) for non-EEA fishers was published last year.
One of the key recommendations of the Review Group is that the employment of non-EEA crew in the Irish fishing fleet should be provided for under the Employment Permit system, instead of the existing Atypical Working Scheme. As such questions concerning how such employment might be addressed are a matter for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
On 22 November 2022, the Immigration Service advised all stakeholders that the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) for non-EEA Crew in the Irish Fishing fleet would close to new applications on 31 December 2022, and I can confirm that the scheme has now closed.