Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
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757. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the date in March 2022 as indicated in the stakeholder engagement that the interdepartmental group reviewing the atypical work permit scheme for non-EEA fishers will conclude its review; when the recommendations will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14433/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) 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, who are not currently eligible for permission under the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment employment permit system.

The Scheme provided, for the first time, a framework for the employment of non-EEA workers within defined segments of the Irish fishing fleet and was welcomed as a solution to the risk of exploitation and to guarantee employment rights and protections to non-EEA fishers availing of the Scheme.

The Review of the AWS for Sea Fishers is a cross departmental review with representatives from my Department, the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment and the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine.

The review group has consulted, in so far as possible, with all relevant stakeholders as part of the review process, including those with permission under the scheme, employer representative groups, the ITF and the authors of the recent report published by Maynooth University.

The Review Group is considering all the issues and proposals raised, during the consultation process. It is expected to complete its work shortly and submit its report with recommendations to the relevant Ministers.