Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The Implementation Group was established to oversee the recommendations contained in the Review of the Atypical Working Scheme for non-EEA Crew in the Irish Fishing Fleet Report. The Group includes representatives from sector agencies and three Government Departments with responsibility for one action falling under my own Department.

My Department has engaged with An Bord Iascaigh Mhara in a consultation exercise to conclude the transition from the atypical working scheme and to establish the conditions governing the fishing sector's access to the Employment Permits System in a structured and well managed manner.

The Department met with sector stakeholders’ bodies towards the end of last year to discuss additional conditions to the standard conditions applicable to the General Employment Permit in the provision of employment permits to this sector.

These are currently under consideration by the cross-departmental group and pending agreement, it is anticipated that eligibility for non-EEA fishers for General Employment Permits will be established and implemented through statutory instrument in the coming weeks.