Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they plan to take, if any, to support ferry operators in terms of the recruitment of crews for work on vessels which operate between (1) Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and (2) Great Britain and Ireland.

Recruitment is the responsibility of operators. However, to capitalise on future growth areas and attract a diverse range of talent into the industry, my Department promotes maritime skills and careers across the UK. Additionally, we remain committed to improving working conditions for seafarers by boosting their welfare and protection from exploitation.

The Home Office is also engaging with vessel operators serving the routes between Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the recruitment of overseas labour through the Frontier Worker Permit and Skilled Worker visa.