Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
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525. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide the necessary details of the atypical work permit scheme for non-EEA fishers process to an organisation (details supplied) in order that a submission can be made on behalf of the migrant fishers on whose behalf this organisation has advocated and represented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57335/22]

Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
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526. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a work permit can be obtained on the basis of a sponsoring employer outside of the fishing sector (details supplied), in light of the recent review of the atypical work permit scheme for non-EEA fishers and the facility, as set out on pages 3 and 59 of the review, for those currently enrolled in the scheme to have their current permission extended, pending an application to her Department for a work permit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57336/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 525 and 526 together.

I am pleased to say the review of the Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) for non-EEA fishers has been published on my Department's website. Details of how the AWS for SeaFishers currently operates is also available at Atypical Working Scheme - Immigration Service Delivery (irishimmigration.ie)

One of the key recommendations of the Review Group is that the employment of non-EEA crew in the Irish fishing fleet should be provided for under the Employment Permit system, instead of the existing Atypical Working Scheme.

My Department will not be responsible for the implementation of the recommendations made in the report. Queries regarding the implementation phase should be directed to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment who have assumed joint responsibility for the chairing of any group convened for such purpose.

Where an organisation wishes to make a submission in relation to access to the employment permit system for a particular sector or group of worker they must make that submission to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Application forms - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie)

It is open to any employer to make an application for an employment permit in respect of any prospective employee, where that employment is not included on the ineligible list of occupations. Matters relating to employment permits do not fall within the remit of my Departments Immigration Service and are a matter for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Further information relating to employment permits can be found on that Department's website at; enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/employment-permit-eligibility/employment-permit-eligibility.