Labour slams dilution of Occupied Territories Bill
Labour slams dilution of Occupied Territories Bill - The Labour Party
Labour’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Duncan Smith TD has expressed deep disappointment following reports that the Occupied Territories Bill will be limited to goods only and will not include services, despite clear recommendations and commitments to the contrary. Speaking today, Deputy Smith said the Government’s decision represents a deliberate dilution of the Bill, goes against the unanimous view of the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee, and undermines Ireland’s stated commitment to upholding international law. He called on the Government to immediately reverse course and ensure the Bill covers both goods and services in full.
Deputy Smith said:
“This is a very disappointing development. After months of delay, the Government is now signalling that it intends to water down the Occupied Territories Bill at the last moment by excluding services. This is not a technical adjustment. It is a political choice, and it is the wrong one.
“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are clearly bowing to external pressures rather than standing firm on Ireland’s long-held position on supporting Palestine. Excluding services creates a glaring loophole that undermines that objective entirely.
“This move directly contradicts the unanimous recommendation of the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee, which explicitly called for the inclusion of services alongside goods. That recommendation was supported by members from across the political spectrum, including the Government parties themselves. It is extraordinary that Ministers are now choosing to ignore this.
“The Government’s strategy on this Bill is now clearly one of delay and dilution. For months, Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have kicked this legislation down the road. Irish people have been steadfast in their support for the people of Palestine. Week after week, we have seen people across this country protest and call for meaningful action, not just words.
“I am calling on the Government to urgently change course, honour the unanimous recommendation of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and bring forward an Occupied Territories Bill that includes both goods and services. Anything less would represent a failure of political courage and a missed opportunity for Ireland to lead by example. The Government must act now and get this Bill right.”