Last chance to strengthen Occupied Territories Bill with services ban
Last chance to strengthen Occupied Territories Bill with services ban - The Labour Party
- Government has final opportunity to include both goods and services in the Occupied Territories Bill before it returns to the Dáil next week.
Labour Foreign Affairs spokesperson Duncan Smith TD has called on Government to use the final Dáil stage of the Occupied Territories Bill next week to include a ban on trade in services, together with goods, from illegal Israeli settlements.
Deputy Smith said:
“Next week is Government’s final opportunity to get this legislation right. We welcome the progress that has finally been made on the Occupied Territories Bill, but the work is not finished. If the Government is serious about standing with the people of Palestine, it must include both goods and services in the Bill before it completes its passage through the Dáil.
“We know excluding services weakens the legislation and its impact at precisely the moment Ireland should be demonstrating leadership. People in Ireland have been steadfast in their support for the people of Palestine. Across the country, communities have consistently demanded meaningful action in response to the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the continued expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
“This legislation offers an opportunity to demonstrate Ireland’s clear leadership, especially during the EU Presidency. Government has acknowledged the importance of this legislation. It must now ensure that it is as effective as possible.
“Government cannot allow this final opportunity to pass. It must include services alongside goods in the Occupied Territories Bill before it returns to the Dáil next week. At a time when Ireland holds the EU Presidency, we have a responsibility to lead by example. Government must ensure this legislation is as strong as possible and send a clear message.”