The Government has denied turning a blind eye to the problem and says it’s fully committed to tackling allegations of human trafficking in the fishing industry.
The Irish Fish Producers Organisation says it's critical that work permits are provided for fishermen who've been mistreated.
This major investigation by the Guardian has uncovered undocumented workers from the Philippines, Africa and India working on ports right around the country.
They've reported a catalogue of abuse from being paid half the minimum wage to being deprived of sleep and food.
The practice of illegally employing workers has been described as an open secret, but the Minister with responsibility for Fisheries, Simon Coveney has denied turning a blind eye to it, and says a Garda investigation is underway.
It's a sentiment echoed by Public Expenditure Minister, Brendan Howlin while the Irish Fish Producers' Organisation says it's shocked at the reports in the Guardian, but says it's not as widespread as reported.
