Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael stalling on Occupied Territories Bill
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael stalling on Occupied Territories Bill - The Labour Party
- Enact the Occupied Territories Bill with goods and services now – Ogbu
Labour Councillor Helen Ogbu has called on Government to immediately enact the Occupied Territories Bill and include both goods and services, warning that continued delays are undermining Ireland’s commitment to international law and human rights.
Speaking in Galway today, Councillor Ogbu said people across Ireland have been clear in demanding meaningful action against illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories and accused Government parties of abandoning promises they made before entering office.
Councillor Ogbu said:
“Before the election, Government parties promised to enact the Occupied Territories Bill. Now in Government, they have done nothing. People across Ireland can see the gap between what was promised and what is being delivered. At a time when the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza appears all but forgotten by many world leaders, silence and delay are not neutral positions. They are political choices.
“In January, I brought a motion before Galway City Council calling for action on the Occupied Territories Bill, and following that a letter was issued to the Minister for Justice. People in Galway wanted their voices heard and they wanted political representatives to act. That pressure has not gone away.
“The Irish people have consistently shown enormous solidarity with the Palestinian people. Communities across Galway and across the country have marched, organised and spoken out because they understand that Ireland cannot claim to stand for human rights and international law while continuing to allow trade with illegal settlements.
“This is not a radical position. It is a principled and necessary one. Ireland has a long history of standing against oppression and colonialism, and people expect Government to show leadership instead of hiding behind excuses and delays. We have heard repeated statements of concern from Ministers, but concern without action changes nothing.
“We need immediate movement on this legislation and we need Government to stop dragging its feet. Enact the Occupied Territories Bill in full, include goods and services, and make clear that Ireland will not be complicit in trade linked to illegal settlements. The people of Ireland have already made their position clear. If elected, I will continue to fight for the Occupied Territories Bill and stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. It is time for Government to finally listen and act.”
ENDS
Motion: Galway City Council Calls on Government to Amend the OTB to include Prohibition on Trade in Services and Pass the Occupied Territory Bill.
Proposed by: Councillor Helen Ogbu
Seconded by: Cllr. John McDonagh
Motion:
That Galway City Council calls on the Government to amend the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill so that its scope includes the prohibition of trade in services, in accordance with the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice and the Resolution co-sponsored by Ireland at the United Nations General Assembly. Furthermore, this Council urges the Government to enact the legislation in full before the end of 2025.
Background:
Ireland has consistently articulated support for international law, human rights, and the protection of civilians in occupied territories. Ireland co-sponsored the recent United Nations General Assembly Resolution calling for compliance with the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which reaffirms the illegality of settlement activity under international law.
The current Bill, as drafted, prohibits the importation and sale of goods originating from illegal settlements. However, it does not address the growing trade in services linked to settlement operations, which is a significant gap given the evolving nature of economic activity, digital markets, and investment structures.