Smith urges inclusion of services in Occupied Territories Bill
Smith urges inclusion of services in Occupied Territories Bill - The Labour Party
In advance of a Dáil debate today on the Occupied Territories Bill, Labour’s foreign affairs spokesperson Duncan Smith TD has urged Government to reconsider inclusion of services in the Bill.
Deputy Smith said:
“Despite enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill being a key commitment of both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in November 2024, only this week does it come to the floor of the Dáil.
“We are disappointed that Government have failed to take the sanctions the whole way through the exclusion of services. The Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee recommended the inclusion of both goods and services to have a meaningful economic impact.
“It’s not too late for Government to change course and include services to strengthen the impact and credibility of this legislation. 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.
“We must be brave. Irish people have been steadfast in their support for the people of Palestine. I would urge Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to reconsider their position, to act now and to enact the Occupied Territories Bill in full – including goods and services.”