John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I am unable to accept the amendment as it is contrary to the specific terms of Article 2 of the 1988 convention, which is designed to protect commercial shipping against terrorism. Article 2 of that convention specifically provides that it does not apply to a war ship or a ship owned or operated by a state when being used as a naval auxiliary or for customs or police purposes or a ship which has been withdrawn from navigation or laid up.

Moreover, Article 2.2 makes it clear that the convention does not affect the immunities of Government ships operated for non-commercial purposes.