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The Committee notes that, following the transfer of the commercial vessels registered in the TAAF and their registration in the French International Register (RIF) during the period ending May 2007, only seven fishing vessels and one fishing surveillance vessel employing around 197 workers (including 79 non nationals and non residents) are still registered in the TAAF. It also notes that, since 1 January 2009, the labour inspectorate has been competent for the maritime sector and that the labour inspectorate of the Department of Réunion is therefore responsible for enforcing the labour legislation on board these vessels.

Taking into account these developments and the prospect of France ratifying the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188), mentioned by the Government in its report, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate the legal framework applicable (laws, regulations and collective agreements) to the conditions of employment and working and living conditions of the staff, whether nationals, residents or otherwise, employed on board the vessels still registered in the TAAF, including, in particular, the provisions prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal opportunity and treatment. The Government is also requested to provide information on any measures taken to inform the workers concerned of their rights under this Convention as well as on the inspections carried out on the abovementioned vessels, any violations noted by labour inspectors and the penalties actually imposed relating to discrimination on one of the grounds listed in Article 1(1)(a) of the Convention or on any other grounds prohibited by the applicable labour legislation and the Penal Code.