‘Deeply disappointing’ Occupied Territories Bill not passed, says Sinn Féin MEP

Occupied Territories Bill: A Promise Unfulfilled?

A Sinn Féin MEP has accused the Government parties of dishonesty regarding the Occupied Territories Bill.
Dublin MEP Lynn Boylan made these comments as the legislation continues to be delayed by the Government.

A Bill Delayed, Hopes Deferred

The original Occupied territories Bill, first introduced by Senator Frances Black in 2018, proposed banning trade from all occupied territories worldwide. Though, it was widely expected that the legislation would be amended to specifically target Israeli-occupied territories. in January,then-Taoiseach Micheál Martin suggested the bill would be replaced by fresh legislation,stating that a full debate in the Dáil was now necessary.

Frustration Mounts

Speaking to BreakingNews.ie, Boylan expressed frustration at the continued inaction. She said, “It is deeply disappointing that the last Program for Government included a commitment to enact the Occupied Territories Bill, yet nothing was done. She also noted that ahead of the last general election, Government parties claimed they had run out of time to pass it but assured voters they were committed to doing so in this administration. Now, she said, it was no longer a priority.”

Boylan accused Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil of making a cynical election promise wiht no intention of following through on it. She also criticised the Government for being proud of how it is indeed perceived internationally in relation to Palestine while continuing to delay meaningful action.

A Question of Leadership

Earlier this week, Micheál Martin acknowledged that the Occupied Territories Bill will not be ready before summer, citing drafting requirements. Some TDs fear the legislation could be further delayed until autumn. Boylan accused the Government of failing to take concrete action,despite its claims of leadership on Palestine.

“The Irish Government likes to portray itself as a world leader in its stance on Palestine, but in reality, all they have done is issue statements. While recognising the State of Palestine was welcome, she said it was long overdue and merely fulfilling a long-standing promise.”

She argued that the Palestinian people want real leadership and concrete action, notably in terms of holding Israel accountable. She stated, “No state, should be able to act as Israel has over the past 15 months—ignoring international law, committing war crimes, and undermining the ICJ, the ICC, and the UN without facing consequences.”

Call to Action

The delay of the Occupied Territories Bill raises serious questions about ireland’s commitment to Palestinian rights.The Irish government must demonstrate its leadership on this issue by enacting meaningful legislation and taking concrete steps to hold Israel accountable for its actions. It’s time to move beyond words and translate commitment into action.

How does the delay in enacting the Occupied Territories Bill impact IrelandS international reputation and trust in its political process, according to Niamh Power?

Archive Occupied Territories Bill: A Promise Unfulfilled?

Welcome to Archyde’s Interview Series. Today, we’re joined by Niamh Power, Sinn Féin spokesperson on International Affairs, to discuss the contentious Occupied Territories Bill. Niamh, thank you for taking the time to join us.

Niamh Power: Thank you for having me.

Origins of the Bill

Archyde: This bill, originally introduced by Senator Frances Black, has been through quite a journey. Could you walk us through its origin and the key proposed amendments?

niamh Power: Certainly.The original Occupied Territories Bill, drafted in 2018, aimed to ban trade from all occupied territories worldwide. However, it was widely understood that it would be amended to specifically target Israeli-occupied territories. In January, then-Taoiseach Micheál Martin suggested the bill would be replaced by fresh legislation, citing the need for a full Dáil debate.

Delayed Promises

Archyde: We’re now months into this administration, and the bill is yet to see the light of day. Can you share your thoughts on this delay?

Niamh Power: Indeed,it is deeply frustrating.The last Program for Government included a commitment to enact this bill, but nothing has been done. ahead of the last general election, government parties claimed they ran out of time but assured voters they were committed to doing so this term. Now, it seems it’s no longer a priority.

Trust and International Reputation

Archyde: You’ve accused Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil of making cynical election promises.can you elaborate on how this delay impacts Ireland’s international reputation and trust in our political process?

Niamh Power: Well, the Irish Government likes to portray itself as a global leader on Palestine, but in reality, all they’ve done is issue statements. While recognizing the State of Palestine was welcome, it was long overdue and merely fulfilling a long-standing promise. The Palestinian people want real leadership and concrete action, notably in terms of holding Israel accountable for its actions.

Call to Action

Archyde: Earlier this week, Micheál Martin acknowledged the bill won’t be ready before summer. Some TDs fear further delays until autumn. What actionable steps can the Government take to instill confidence that this bill will indeed move forward?

Niamh Power: They must demonstrate their commitment by enacting meaningful legislation and taking concrete steps to hold Israel accountable. It’s time to move beyond words and translate commitment into action. The delay raises serious questions about Ireland’s commitment to Palestinian rights.

Our Final Thought

Archyde: Last question, Niamh. In light of recent events, how do you think this bill can contribute to a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Niamh Power: By enacting this bill, Ireland can send a strong message that’impunity for Israel’s violations of international law will no longer be tolerated. This could possibly pressure Israel to change its policies and engage in meaningful peace negotiations.

Archyde: Niamh power, Sinn Féin spokesperson on International Affairs, thank you for sharing your insights. This has been a thought-provoking conversation.

Niamh Power**: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope Ireland takes tangible action on this issue.