Mr. Michael O'Brien:

Exactly. It is not just about the recommendations of the committee. I rewatched the presentation given by my predecessor, Mr. Ken Fleming, at the time and it was pretty powerful and dramatic. The ITF took High Court action against the State when it became apparent to us that the atypical scheme in the hands of some vessel owners was effectively a tool for human trafficking. That resulted in a settlement agreement in April 2019 and there were approximately 20 points of reform that altered the position on paper. For example, there were basic points like providing the contracts in the language of the fisher and a stipulation that they should be paid for every hour worked. They had to be given some window of opportunity to change employer if they could not endure the abuse being suffered.

The Maynooth report published yesterday was to study in particular those fishers who worked in the sector in the course of the subsequent two and a half years. Frankly, a significant number of vessel owners are incorrigible. We must end the system of a tied relationship. It is the last chance saloon for the atypical scheme and we need sector-wide visas at an absolute minimum. Short of full trade union organisation, it would create upward pressure for pay and conditions if the fisher has some kind of mobility to leave the worst abusers in the sector.