Pair deny using illegal workers in fishing industry

Two men went on trial at Cork District Court yesterday on charges arising from an investigation of alleged use of illegal migrant workers in the fishing industry.

Leonard Hyde, aged 62, of Four Winds, Weavers Point, Crosshaven, Co Cork, and Pat O’Mahony, aged 51, of 69 Elton Wood, Kinsale, Co Cork, each faced the same two charges. They both denied the charges, believing they were in full compliance with regulations.

The first charge states that on October 5, 2015, at Hugh Coveney Pier, Crosshaven, he did employ a named non-national in the State other than in accordance with an employment permit issued by the Minister for Enterprise, contrary to sections of the Employment Permits Act 2003.