Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 4, subsection (1), lines 1 to 3, to delete paragraphs (a) and (b).

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and look forward to the debate on this Bill.

While the convention does not apply to war ships or navy ships, there is nothing stopping us from going further than what is contained in the directive. We have done so in recent times in a number of other European directives. It is often appropriate that we use our initiative and inform our legislative assembly of our intentions. There are times when one can make an argument to the contrary. There is nothing to stop us going further than the convention in terms of our legislation. It does not make sense to state that terrorists who seize civilian ships should be punished while those who, for military or other purposes, seize other ships will not be punished. I look forward to the Minister of State's reply on this amendment.