Brian Simpson, rapporteur. - Mr President, I would like to add my thanks to the Commission and also to the shadow rapporteurs for the work they did in getting this agreement under the Irish Presidency. I just want to remind Members that this ratification is a step in the right direction. What we are doing here is putting into EU law what has already been agreed at the International Labour Organization, but we are not doing just that, we are doing it with provisions which mean that EU labour laws would not be compromised. So we have protected our own labour laws whilst, at the same time, ratifying the international agreement.

Do we still face challenges with flags of convenience and sub-standard ships? Yes we do, but I believe this report takes us in the right direction in trying to address that particular problem. I would say to the national governments that we have done our bit in Parliament; it is now up to them to do their part – especially those who have not ratified the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) or have not signed up. They should do so immediately, or as soon as possible, so that by August all the Member States should be signed up when the MLC comes into force.