Martin Ferris (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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252. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to persons (details supplied) who were victims of human trafficking on Irish-flagged fishing vessels between January and April 2018. [22500/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Garda authorities that on Friday 13 April, 4 Ghanaian men who came to Ireland to work in the fishing industry entered the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) as potential victims of human trafficking. The NRM is a system to ensure potential victims have their basic needs met in the initial period after the referral, in terms of the provision of accommodation, food and healthcare needs. The investigation of a complaint of human trafficking is a matter for An Garda Síochána and I am advised that the men in question have engaged with the Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit of An Garda Síochána.

Martin Ferris (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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253. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to outline his plans to review and introduce further regulations to prevent potential victim trafficking in the fishing sector. [22503/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by officials of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of my Department that The Atypical Scheme for Sea Fishers was established as a cross Departmental response to address the matter of non-EEA workers on certain categories of vessels in the Irish fishing fleet. A number of Departments are involved in the scheme and it is monitored by an Oversight Committee with is chaired by the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, with members from relevant Departments and State Agencies. It is not therefore within the remit of my Department to amend or introduce new regulations in relation to the Atypical Worker Scheme for Sea Fishers and any changes to the scheme would in the first instance be a matter for the Oversight Committee and the relevant Departments and would also require the approval of Government.

I can assure the Deputy of my Department's commitment, in conjunction with relevant Government Departments and State Agencies, to ensure appropriate legislation and regulations are in place to prevent trafficking and protect potential victims of trafficking, regardless of the circumstances in which it arises.