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.