Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Inspections with respect to fisheries cross over a number Departments. An interdepartmental working group, involving four or five Departments, is dealing with our approach to managing the atypical work permits scheme. I have said publicly on the record that the process to review it has begun. It is important we do that to see if we can improve that situation and we are all happy to do that. That atypical work permits scheme was introduced in response to a concern for that sector in 2015 or 2016. If I remember correctly, all vessels that come under that scheme are inspected quite regularly and certainly inspections are carried out. I have agreed with other Ministers we should review that scheme and we are doing that. That review will include the number of people who will monitor the scheme and the various permits. I apologise for having to leave. I am sorry about that.