Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)

I will reiterate the importance of passing the occupied territories Bill in this Dáil as quickly as possible.

It is important to acknowledge that the constant articulation of the need to sanction illegal Israeli settlements that are a direct threat to the possibility of a two-state solution in the Middle East is paying off. The work done by Ireland, advocacy groups, civil society, political parties and the Government has changed the debate across Europe on this issue. While the EU as an entity has completely failed, individual member states, working alongside Ireland and influenced by us, are taking a similar approach. Slovenia banned goods from the occupied territories in August and last month, Spain banned goods and services from the occupied territories. Indeed, it is now a case that Ireland is not leading anymore; we are actually following in the legislative footsteps of other member states. Throughout this debate, Ministers have emphasised that Ireland should not be acting alone and isolated. It is clear that we are not now and that other member states are working alongside us and I am concerned that this process of finally passing the occupied territories Bill is taking so long. Both Spain and Slovenia acted rapidly as the situation in Gaza has deteriorated.

My other concern is that we do not link the passage of the Bill solely with the genocide in Gaza. The Bill is about stopping the illegal settlements that are a threat to the two-state solution, which is a cornerstone of our foreign policy vis-à-vis the Middle East. An alleged peace plan has been proposed by President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu. From what I have read, it offers very little to the people of Gaza. However, it is important for us to reiterate that even if, as we all want, a ceasefire is declared, the remaining hostages are returned and humanitarian aid is restored, these steps must not be used for a justification here in Ireland to stall the occupied territories Bill. That legislation must pass because, as we know, over the summer over 20,000 homes were given permission by the Israeli Government to be built in the occupied territories.

In the wrap-up to these statements, there are three questions I seek answers to from the Government. Can the Government give a timeline for when the occupied territories Bill will be debated in this House? When will the Government confirm if the Bill will include services? Can the Government also confirm that the Bill will be advanced irrespective of whether there is some sort of ceasefire applying in Gaza?

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