Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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39. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of applications received by her Department from non-EEA fishing crew members who were already working here before the cut-off point under the terms of the permit scheme introduced as a result of the work of the task force on non-EEA workers in the Irish fishing fleet; the total number of applications received with reference to persons outside of the country; the number of applications approved under the scheme; the number of applications which were turned down under the terms of the scheme; the number of applications which are currently being processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31052/16]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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40. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of employers to date who have availed of the terms of the permit scheme for non-EEA crew members for the Irish fishing fleet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31053/16]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 40 together.

Following the establishment of a task force of Departmental, State agency, Industry and Workers representatives, a scheme was put in place to address the overall situation of non-EEA workers engaged in certain sectors of the fishing industry. The issue of an immigration status constitutes a part of the overall scheme which includes new contracts being put in place for the workers concerned. I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that since the Atypical Working Scheme was extended to include non-EEA fishing crew, the period of 15th March to 30th June 2016 was afforded to employers to apply for fishing crew members who were already in the State. During that period, a total of 68 employers made an application for 178 persons.Of these, 162 (91%) have been granted a permission, 12 (7%) have been refused and4 (2%) are awaiting processing.

I have been further informed that no applications were received after the cut-off date of 30th June, in respect of persons outside of the State.