Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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A high level inter-departmental Task Force was set up by Government in November 2015 following reports of alleged abuses of migrant workers on board Irish fishing vessels. The remit of the Task Force was to examine the issues raised by these reports and to formulate a co-ordinated and effective cross-Government response.

The Task Force delivered its report on this matter in December 2015 and its work is now concluded.

The key outcome of the work of the Task Force is the establishment of a sector-specific Atypical Worker Permission system, which is an extension of the existing Atypical Worker Permission schemes administered by the Department of Justice and Equality (Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service - INIS).

The Scheme provides a structured and transparent framework for the employment of non-EEA workers within defined segments of the Irish commercial sea-fishing fleet, minimising the risk of exploitation and ensuring that these workers are guaranteed all appropriate employment rights and protections during their period of employment.

In making its recommendations, the Task Force was of the view that the best way to ensure that abuses are minimised is to introduce specific arrangements which ensure that such workers are covered by the protections afforded to employees.

Consequently, the permissions granted under the scheme are confined to those crew members who are engaged under a contract of employment by a vessel licence holder. This is to ensure that such workers have a right to a minimum regular wage and statutory conditions of employment. It will also support the various enforcement agencies’ ability to intervene effectively to address alleged abuses of employment or other regulations.

Therefore, the approach suggested by the Deputy would undermine the intention of the scheme.

Individuals who have particular concerns regarding employment issues should contact the Workplace Relations Commission which is the appropriate authority in such circumstances.