Government must not renege on delivering the Occupied Territories Bill
- Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael must honour election pledges
Labour’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Duncan Smith TD, has condemned reports that the Government may scrap or weaken the Occupied Territories Bill, despite clear commitments from both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael during the last general election.
Deputy Smith said:
“During the election, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael stood before voters and pledged to pass the Occupied Territories Bill. Now, we hear reports that they may break that promise. This is utterly immoral. The Government cannot continue to kick this can down the road.
“We hear support for the Occupied Territories Bill from people all over the country. We in Labour have long advocated for more effective trade sanctions on Israel, similar to the international pressure that helped end apartheid in South Africa. Israel’s actions have been abundantly clear – we need concerted international pressure.
“We saw what happened with South Africa in the 1980s. South Africa was isolated politically, in sport, culturally, and economically, and it was only through this international solidarity that apartheid was overturned.
“The same must happen now with Israel. This Bill is about real action—banning the sale of settler goods in Ireland and sending a clear message that we do not profit from the displacement and dispossession of Palestinians.
“This is about sending a message to the people of Palestine. A message that Ireland sees their suffering, Ireland stands with them, and Ireland will not turn a blind eye.
“The Government must act—no more excuses.The Government must work with members of the opposition to get this legislation through. Labour is ready to support it. The people of Ireland overwhelmingly support it. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael must not backtrack.”