Department to issue 150 work permits for non-EEA sea crew to address shortage

It will replace the former Atypical Working Scheme (AWS) from the Department of Justice which helped in the recruitment of non-EEA workers to work on certain fishing vessels. File photo: Julien Behal/PA

Some 150 work permits will be allotted for non-EEA sea fishers to help address the skills shortage in the Irish fishing industry.

The new quota, announced by the Department of Enterprise on Wednesday, will allow the fishers to work under a General Work Permit with a minimum salary requirement of €34,000.