Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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77. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the atypical working scheme for non-EEA crew will now enable vessels under 15 metres in length to hire non-EEA crew given that previously fishing vessels under 15 metres were excluded from same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53165/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Atypical Working Scheme for non-EEA fishers is administered by the Department of Justice with support at the application stage by my Department in the form of a central depository. No changes to the operation of this existing scheme are proposed.

What has recently been recommended to and approved by Government is that the fishing industry should apply to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to have access instead for its labour needs through the Employment Permit system. The sector will be required to submit a comprehensive business case to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to support that application and a process of engagement has already begun in this regard. Subject to a successful outcome in that process, the Government has approved that non-EEA fishers currently in receipt of permits from the Department of Justice would transition across to that system.

These recommendations form part of the Review of the Atypical Scheme for non-EEA Crew in the Irish Fishing Fleet. A cross-departmental group of senior officials in relevant Departments and agencies will be established to oversee implementation of the transition from the current scheme to the Employment Permits Scheme. This group will be co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The overall time frame for implementation of the report’s recommendations is expected to be approximately 12 months. I have asked my Department to examine the Review Report and to work closely with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with a view to ensuring the full implementation of the recommendations. I have also tasked an Bord Iascaigh Mhara with providing the fishing sector with any practical assistance necessary to support of the sector's access to the Employment Permit Scheme.

It is of course essential that employers and employees in the seafood sector are intimately involved in this process. The sectoral employer representatives took an early lead in this in seeking a review of the existing scheme and I hope that they will continue their momentum and embrace the services on offer through an Bord Iascaigh Mhara to see through the application process.