Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 May 2024
162. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he will sign and confirm the Statutory Instrument required to open the occupation of sea-fisher for eligibility for the general employment permit for non-EEA crew in the Irish fishing fleet, mindful that this blockage is having a serious impact on Irish fishing vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24500/24]
View answerReview and consideration of sectoral submissions on the topic, as well as further consultation with the relevant stakeholders, has been conducted by my Department 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.
I am informed by officials that the relevant Statutory Instrument to amend the eligibility of the occupation of Sea-fisher for the General Employment Permit is in the final stages of drafting and will be available for signing by Minister Higgins, as Minister with responsibility for economic migration and employment permits, in the coming days.
