Taoiseach Confirms No Decision on Occupied Territories Bill Services

The Irish government has not yet decided whether to include services in the proposed Occupied Territories Bill, which seeks to prohibit trade with companies operating in illegally occupied Palestinian territories. Taoiseach Micheál Martin addressed the issue during a session in the Daíl, responding to questions from Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns. He stated that while tracking goods is feasible through documentation and supply chains, services present a more complex challenge.

In his remarks, Martin noted, “being honest,” that goods could be traced relatively easily, but services are “a much different kettle of fish.” His comments reflect his earlier statements regarding the feedback he has received, suggesting that including services in the legislation may not be practical. The Bill, which has been in discussion since its initial publication in 2017, already includes a ban on trade in goods. This has prompted calls from opposition parties and pro-Palestinian advocates for a similar ban on services.

Cairns criticized the government for what she described as “slow walking” the legislation and accused it of “talking down the clock.” She emphasized that if the Bill is enacted without addressing the services component, it would allow a significant portion of trade between Ireland and illegal settlements to continue. “We need to see action and we need to see accountability,” she asserted.

The ongoing situation in Gaza has also been a focal point in the discussions. Cairns drew a stark comparison between the treatment of Palestinian detainees and that of Israeli hostages, stating, “Palestinians continue to be dehumanised.” She highlighted that while narratives around the Israeli hostages have gained significant media attention, the experiences of Palestinian hostages have not received similar coverage, despite many never being charged or convicted.

In response, Martin acknowledged the release of hostages as “a big moment” but reiterated that such actions should never occur. He also condemned the illegal detention of Palestinians without trial. “It is 100 per cent wrong and should not be condoned,” he stated.

Regarding the proposed legislation, Martin challenged Cairns’ assertion that the services trade was substantial, emphasizing the lack of available data on the quantities of services imported from Palestinian territories. He referenced a report from the Oireachtas committee, which indicated that no concrete data exists to determine the impact of this trade. The report also warned of potential repercussions from the international community concerning both economic and diplomatic relations.

Martin expressed concern about the implications for Irish-based multinational companies operating in the United States regarding potential boycotts. “There is an issue there,” he noted, highlighting the complexities involved in navigating international trade laws and relations.

The Occupied Territories Bill remains a contentious topic in Irish politics, and the government’s decision-making process will be closely monitored by both advocates and critics in the coming weeks. With calls for swift action, the attention remains fixed on how the government will address the intricate dynamics of trade relations in this sensitive context.