Occupied Territories Bill must include goods and services
Occupied Territories Bill must include goods and services - The Labour Party
Labour’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson Duncan Smith TD has welcomed the decision to bring the Occupied Territories Bill to Cabinet today, but warned that Government must ensure the legislation includes both goods and services if it is to have any meaningful impact.
Deputy Smith said:
“We welcome the fact that the Occupied Territories Bill is finally, after almost 18 months into this Government term, going to Cabinet. People in Ireland have consistently stood with the Palestinian people and they expect Government to take meaningful action in response to the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the continued expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
“But the legislation must include both goods and services. Leaving services out would seriously undermine the impact and credibility of this Bill. Companies operating in Ireland cannot be allowed to continue providing tech services, tourism services or other forms of commercial support to illegal settlements while Government claims to be taking a stand for international law and human rights. If services are excluded, the Bill risks becoming symbolic rather than effective.
“People in Ireland have been steadfast in their support for the people of Palestine from the very beginning. Communities across the country have marched, organised and demanded action from Government. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael must now act with urgency and ensure the Occupied Territories Bill includes goods and services in full.”