#Fishing - Fishing ports in Howth and Castletownbere were raided by gardaí and State agencies yesterday (Wednesday 5 October) in a sting operation focused on undocumented workers, as The Irish Times reports.
The raids come after revelations last November in the Guardian newspaper alleging exploitation of migrant workers in the Irish fishing industry.
In the wake of that story, then Marine Minister Simon Coveney announced a cap on work permits in the fishing industry to 500 across the fleet, a scheme that was launched this past February but has seen few applicants.
Raids have also been reported in Co Louth as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal practices within the industry, which is estimated to employ around 1,000 foreign workers.
That’s according to the International Transport Workers Federation, which says it has sent inspectors to ports around the country since January to gather evidence.
The Irish Times has much more on the story HERE.