James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank Deputy O'Sullivan for raising this matter on the atypical scheme. I am pleased to confirm that a review of the scheme is being put in place. Coming from a fishing county myself, Wexford, I know how hard and dangerous the fishing sector is for skippers and their employees. The fishing sector is under huge pressure at the moment. I felt that this is something on which the Minister of State, Deputy English, the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, and I could work together quickly and in consultation with the boat owners, skippers, crews and non-EEA employees who are most affected. Most skippers and those involved in the fishing industry want to ensure that the human rights of all employees are protected. A few rogue employers should not be allowed to run down the entire industry and the fishing community.

We are determined to ensure that the review is done in a timely fashion and in consultation, and that we will look at all of the concerns that are raised on the atypical scheme. The scheme was welcomed on its introduction five years ago because it was necessary to move quickly but after five years it is time to have a full review of how effectively it is working.

See this speech in context