Irish government respond on migrant fishermen abuse concern

I pressed the Irish government some weeks ago following concerns that the treatment of migrant fishermen in the Irish Fishing Industry was exploitative.

This is of course a problem across Europe (and Globally) but Ireland did try to take steps some years ago to address it - apparently to no avail (see link):

http://www.transceltic.com/blog/irish-government-should-act-over-traffic...

However in a reply received this week from the Office of Justice Minister Charles Flanagan it seems they have not given up on the issue and the concerns lodged with them will be considered (text below):

“2 July 2018

Minister Reference: 0530122204

Dear Mr Moffat,

I am directed by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan T.D., to refer to your correspondence dated 19 May 2018.

The concerns which you have raised have been noted. I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of the Department of Justice & Equality that the State takes any allegation of exploitation within the fishing industry very seriously. Indeed, the introduction of the sector specific atypical worker permission scheme represented a multi-faceted approach to tackling exploitation in the fishing industry, through a combination of monitoring compliance and enforcement of workers’ rights.

The operation of the Scheme is overseen by a cross departmental oversight committee made up of 11 different Departments and State Agencies with responsibilities in this area and I wish to assure that your concerns will be brought to the attention of the Committee at earliest opportunity.

I hope the above information is of assistance.

Yours sincerely

Conor Cleary
Private Secretary to the
Minister for Justice and Equality”

My thanks to the Minister for his response and hopefully action by the cross departmental body mentioned will be productive.

Bernard Moffatt