Fishing convention implementation
Deputy Murphy O'Mahony sought an extension to the implementation of Marine Notice 42/2019 and said fishermen had received no response to submissions. The Taoiseach said he was not fully across the details, would notify the Minister, and ensure a reply.
Marine Notice 42/2019 relating to the Work in Fishing Convention 2007, International Labour Organization, is due to be implemented on Friday, 15 November. Fishermen were asked for submissions on this and the four producer organisations got together and sent in joint submissions. They heard nothing and there has been no discussion since sending in those submissions in the middle of December 2018. However, this is to be implemented on Friday. I am today asking the Taoiseach for an extension of this. The fishermen agree that safety is paramount. One of the requirements is that all fishermen be certified fit to fish by Friday, which seems impossible. This would be very difficult to do with rural GPs being stretched as it is, without every fisherman in the country seeking this certification. I am asking the Taoiseach for an extension beyond Friday.
