The Work in Fishing Convention was agreed at the International Labour Conference in 2007.

It lays down minimum requirements for work on board fishing vessels, including conditions of service, accommodation and food, medical care and health protection, and social security.

Ireland implemented the majority of the Convention through transposition of EU Directive 2017/159 in 2020 — but that Directive does not cover fishers who are paid on the basis of receiving a share of the catch (share fishers), nor fishing vessels less than 15 metres in length overall.

The EU Directive also does not provide for the issuing of an internationally-recognised “certificate of compliance”, whereas the Convention does.

The Department is now seeking the views of interested parties on ratification of the Convention and its impact on the Irish fishing industry, in particular on small and medium-sized enterprises.

The responses received “will be considered as part of any future legislative proposals to ratify the Convention”, the Department said.

Seán Canney, the minister of state with responsibility for international and road transport, logistics, rails and ports, said: “The Work in Fishing Convention is an important international agreement ensuring decent working conditions in the sector.

“Although much of the Convention has been in force in Ireland since 2020 for larger fishing vessels, I want to ensure the same level of protection is applied right across the fishing sector.

“Therefore, I encourage fishers, fishing vessel owners and operators, and everyone interested in our fishing sector, to take part by reading the consultation document and sending us their views on the proposals.

“The submissions received will help us understand the impact that ratification will have on the sector, and will be used to develop our legislation in this area.”

The consultation will run until 5pm on Friday 30 May 2025.