539. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of unannounced inspections conducted by the Marine Survey Office, MSO, as a result of referrals by the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, since the agreement reached between the MSO and WRC on exchange of information as part of the settlement of legal proceedings between the State and a union (details supplied) on 3 April 2019; the number of violations of applicable regulations observed as a result of such inspections; the number of prosecutions initiated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51674/19]

In relation to the receipt by the Marine Survey Office (MSO) of referrals from the WRC reporting potential contraventions of the European Communities (Workers on board Sea-Going Fishing Vessels) (Organisation of Working Time) Regulations 2003, in the period since 3rd April 2019 the MSO has carried out resultant inspections of 20 fishing vessels. A total of 17 relevant deficiencies were notified to the owner or Master of the vessels concerned for rectification. In relation to prosecutions, it would not be appropriate for me to comment regarding pending proceedings.