The Minister for Foreign Affairs has said she is hopeful that legislation banning the import of goods into Ireland from illegal Israeli settlements will be enacted before the Dáil’s summer recess, reports Breaking News.
Helen McEntee made the comments ahead of a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, where she is seeking approval for the long-delayed Occupied Territories Bill, reports Breaking News.
She said she expects the legislation to be passed into law “by the summer recess” if it progresses as planned through the parliamentary process, reports Breaking News.
McEntee said the recent surge in settler violence in the West Bank demonstrates that the Israeli government has “no desire” to pursue a peaceful resolution, reports Breaking News.
The Bill, first introduced in 2018, originally included both goods and services, but the Government has since removed services, stating that such provisions would not be legally or practically enforceable, reports Breaking News.
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When asked whether the revised Bill is as strong as she would like, McEntee said the Government is committed to bringing forward effective and enforceable legislation in response to what she described as unacceptable and illegal settlement activity, reports Breaking News.
She added that Ireland is also continuing to push for a coordinated response at European Union level, which she believes would have a greater overall impact, reports Breaking News.
McEntee noted that the EU recently agreed sanctions targeting illegal settlements in the West Bank for the first time, and said she is advocating for a broader EU-wide ban on trade with occupied territories, reports Breaking News.
She also said there is growing momentum within the EU to respond more strongly to recent developments, including the detention of activists linked to a humanitarian flotilla, which she said has influenced the mood among member states, reports Breaking News.
The Taoiseach defended the removal of services from the Bill, saying it was based on strong legal advice and concerns about enforceability and potential economic consequences, particularly for Ireland’s international business sector, reports Breaking News.
He said Ireland’s approach forms part of a broader series of measures in support of Palestine.
Tánaiste Simon Harris also defended Ireland’s stance, arguing that the country is widely regarded by Palestinian representatives as a strong supporter due to its consistent backing for international law, humanitarian aid, and diplomatic engagement, reports Breaking News.
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