On Wednesday in Order of Business, I spoke about my disappointment on the government’s announcement on the Occupied Territories Bill. What has been proposed is a partial ban, a ban on the import of physical goods from illegal Israeli settlements. The dates and olives grown on stolen Palestinian farmland, but it deliberately excludes trade in services. The tech companies, the tourism platforms, the digital and IT firms that also sustain those settlements are being let off the hook entirely. This is a significant and deeply disappointing walkback, and it would fundamentally undermine the impact of the legislation.

Lots of work to do in the next few weeks and a big challenge ahead! 🇵🇸🇵🇸 What Govt have announced today is essentially a partial ban on trade with the illegal Israeli settlements. Seeking to ban the import of physical goods like fruit and vegetables, shamefully stolen from Palestinian farmers in the occupied West Bank, is important and necessary and was included in my original legislation. But it's not enough. It omits the majority of Irish trade, in intangible services like tech and IT, which would greatly undermines the scope of the legislation. Govt still haven’t given any coherent, detailed justification for this. We need to see that in the Dáil urgently. Last year, the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee spent weeks listening to officials and legal experts on this issue, and voted unanimously, including Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil members, that the ban should be comprehensive and include all trade, both goods and services. That is the standard set in the original Occupied Territories Bill which I tabled, and it’s what the International Court of Justice has clearly said is required under international law. It’s deeply disappointing that the Govt seems to be disregarding this, but it’s not too late for them to do what’s necessary. When the Bill finally hits the floor of the Dáil in the coming weeks I will be working with all opposition parties to table amendments to include services. That has been my clear position since 2018 and I'll do everything in my power to make it happen.

The Government continue to say the right thing on the Occupied Territories Bill, but actions speak louder than words. Settlement trade continues without the action promised. It's up to @HMcEntee to deliver. Listen to the ICJ and the Foreign affairs Ctte, pass the legislation, goods & services - as the Dáil just unanimously voted.

A clear, united message to Govt from @RBoydBarrett @MaryLouMcDonald @ivanabacik @HollyCairnsTD @rodericogorman: keep your promises made pre-election, stop delaying and pass the OTB in full. Attention on Gaza will fade - now is the time to deliver on commitments, not forget them.

One of the many things I've learned from the people of Palestine, and from the brilliant campaigners, activists and organisations all over Ireland, is the power of persistence. With seven years of work behind us, we'll keep going until this is done and done right. Today I was proud to stand with colleagues from the Campaign to Pass the Occupied Territories Bill, as the Dáil returns this week. My message to Government is clear: it's time to pass the OTB in full, goods and services, this coming term. No more delays, and no dilutions. Things are finally, at long last, moving at EU level. Other countries are following and that is testament to the work we've done in Ireland. A new standard is emerging, we can help set it... but we have to get it right. It must be aligned with international law and the clear findings of the ICJ, which means a full end to all economic support for and trade with the illegal Israeli settlements, both goods and services. We've got a real chance to lead here - let's take it. #PasstheOccupiedTerritoriesBill

Today I was delighted to attend the launch of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Report on Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the Occupied territories bill. (General Scheme of the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill) It was heartening to see cross party support for the inclusion of services in the bill. This is a hugely important and a welcome step. A Committee with representatives from all parties, both Govt and opposition, have spent weeks looking at this in detail – hearing from experts, from those on the ground. They have cut through the intense lobbying, misinformation and spin and said very clearly: we want this, and we want to do it right. We must end all trade with the illegal settlements, goods and services. This is a cross-party recommendation and it’s hugely significant as it goes to Government.

This is hugely important news. The Occupied Territories Bill I tabled in 2018 was clear, and the ICJ agreed in 2024 - we must end all trade with the illegal Israeli settlements, both goods & services. Today's vote in favour from the FA Ctte is a crucial step towards that, reported here by @JackHoJo. TDs & Senators from all sides of the House have spent weeks looking at this in detail, hearing from experts, and are stating clearly that we must stand for international law, justice and human rights. Despite intense pressure, lobbying and spin their recommendation to Govt is clear and carries significant weight. I'm fully with them - time to act, time to #PassTheOTB in full.

Very important.. the EU this week recognised that individual countries like Ireland may ban trade with Israel's illegal settlements under EU law. In June 9 EU MS (incl 🇮🇪) called for a ban. Now 🇫🇷 calls to end "all forms of financial support, direct & indirect" to settlements 👇