Don’t make scapegoats of fishermen for poor industry conditions, taskforce told

A Government taskforce set up to investigate allegations of mistreatment of non-EU fishermen working in the industry here will today be told those fishermen must not be made scapegoats for poor conditions in the industry.

The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) is concerned that those workers might be deported.

It is expected to tell the taskforce that few Irish and EU nationals are willing to work in the industry and that if the non-EU nationals are deported, it could have very poor consequences for fishing here.

The ITF wants an industry-specific work permit system to be introduced to give status to those non-EU fishermen who are undocumented. It also wants closer monitoring of the industry to ensure fishermen are not being exploited in future.

It also wants fishermen who are facing deportation to be provided with a period of reflection and recovery to ensure they can secure the monies to which they may be entitled from their employer and to help with any required investigation of a breach of employment law.

Meanwhile, a journalist who uncovered allegations regarding the treatment of workers on Irish fishing trawlers has refused to appear before the taskforce.

The Guardian journalist had been asked to come before the body to answer questions on their investigation which uncovered suspected cases of exploitation and trafficking.

It is understood the reporter has declined the invitation.

However, the Migrant Rights Centre of Ireland, the four fishermen’s producer organisations as well as the ITF will make individual presentations.