Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has urged the Government not to squander a valuable opportunity to pass the Occupied Territories Bill before the Dáil is dissolved ahead of a general election.
“At the Business Committee today, the Social Democrats and Sinn Féin offered to give up a total of four hours of their Dáil time next week to facilitate the enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill.
“Given that this legislation enjoys cross-party support, it would provide a fitting end to this Dáil term and send a powerful message of solidarity to the Palestinian people.
“I am urging the Government to seize this valuable opportunity to get this important bill, which would prevent Ireland from importing goods that originate from illegal Israeli settlements, over the line.
“As the Government’s proposed amendments to the bill are believed to be technical in nature, there is no reason why this legislation could not be passed within the additional Dáil time offered by the Opposition today.
“Having blocked this legislation for years, the Government now has a chance to do the right thing in the dying days of this administration.
“It must not squander this opportunity to enact the Occupied Territories Bill.”
October 31, 2024