Senator Black Urges Action on Occupied Territories Bill NOW

UPDATE: Senator Frances Black is raising urgent concerns about the delayed enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill, demanding immediate government action. In a statement earlier today, Black emphasized the lack of concrete timelines from government leaders, labeling their responses as “vague” and insufficient.

The independent Senator, who proposed this critical legislation to ban imports from occupied territories back in 2018, is frustrated with the government’s inaction despite multiple discussions with Tánaiste Simon Harris. During these meetings, Harris assured her that the government would uphold its commitments made at the height of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“I want to believe that this is true, but the way to prove it is to move the legislation in the Dáil and give us some actual information on the government’s plans,” Black told The Journal. With Christmas approaching, pressure is mounting on the government to pass the legislation before the Dáil breaks for the holidays.

The enactment of the legislation remains uncertain, as both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have not provided a clear timeline. New Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee has stated there are no plans to abandon the bill, yet no specific dates have been outlined for its passage through the Oireachtas.

“This is a test of whether the Government actually meant what it said at the height of the genocide,” Black asserted. She noted that the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee had invested significant time over the summer gathering expert opinions on the bill, yet since then, there has been “radio silence” from the government.

Black criticized the government for failing to act decisively, stating, “Every Dáil question is met with vague answers and no detail.” She pointed out that while the bill is included in the Programme for Government as a priority for the Autumn session, December has arrived with no movement on the issue.

The Senator highlighted the ongoing violence in Gaza, stressing the need for Ireland to deliver on its promises. “We now have a partial ceasefire in Gaza, where people continue to be killed, so the issue has started to recede from media and political attention,” she said. Black argued that now is the moment to uphold commitments instead of retreating from them, warning that failing to act would mean accepting a return to the status quo.

“The only thing that can ever make this ceasefire permanent is if we do our part and help to address the actual root causes,” she added. The Senator also pointed out that countries like Spain have successfully passed similar legislation, questioning why Ireland has struggled for nearly eight years.

Black reiterated that the legal framework for the bill has been established, citing advice from the Attorney General and legal experts who have affirmed its viability if there is political will. “Endless legal advice is not what’s needed; it’s political will to bring the Bill to the Dáil,” she declared.

In response to Black’s concerns, Tánaiste Simon Harris confirmed that government leaders will meet with the Foreign Affairs Minister and Attorney General to discuss how best to advance the legislation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to progressing the bill but did not provide a specific timeline.

As the political landscape shifts with increased calls for urgent action, Senator Black’s resolute stance underscores the growing frustration among advocates for the Occupied Territories Bill. The urgency to act now is palpable, and the pressure on government leaders to deliver is mounting as December draws to a close.

Stay tuned as this developing story unfolds and the Oireachtas faces increased scrutiny over its handling of the Occupied Territories Bill.