#Fishing - Rules introduced to regularise migrant workers in the Irish fishing industry are not working, according to a Labour senator.
Addressing the Seanad last Wednesday (8 February), Senator Ged Nash called on the Government to replace the scheme launched in February 2016, following revelations in the Guardian newspaper of alleged widespread exploitation of migrant workers across the Irish fishing fleet.
The Guardian reports that just 182 of 500 one-year permits have been issued, according to Department of Justice figures.
Meanwhile, Senator Nash said migrant fishermen from Africa and Asia continue to allege “alarming” abuses over pay and working hours — claims supported by the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland and Nasc Ireland.
Last October, a number of fishing harbours were raided by gardaí and State agencies in a sting operation focused on undocumented workers — though no evidence of exploitation was found.
The Guardian has more on the story HERE.