Irish ⁣Committee Backs Occupied Territories Bill, Defends Against US Criticism

A cross-party Oireachtas committee has unanimously recommended the progression of the Occupied Territories Bill, a move that would prohibit the import of goods and services from illegal settlements in‍ occupied territories.The committee also‍ defended the bill against criticism ‍from senior US political figures, labelling some of ⁢the commentary as “misinformation” and “anti-Semitic hate.”

Committee unanimous on Bill’s recommendations

The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade has put forward 17 ‍recommendations for the Occupied Territories Bill, with all decisions made by the committee being unanimous. committee chair John Lahart confirmed that despite facing ⁢approximately 76 amendments, the report, which includes 17 recommendations and over 70 amendments, was agreed upon by all members from both the Dáil and the Seanad.

“There were something like 76 amendments before us. We made 17 recommendations, and we did ⁢not divide,” Mr Lahart stated on ‍RTÉ’s Drivetime. He emphasized the cross-party consensus, noting that the ‍report was agreed to by ‍the entire committee,‍ composed of members ⁤from across the political spectrum.

The committee members highlighted a shift in the political atmosphere surrounding the scenes in Gaza as a ⁤contributing factor to their unified stance. Social Democrats senator Patricia Stephenson observed an “escalation” of “misinformation” regarding the bill⁤ in recent weeks, a sentiment echoed by other committee members.

Defending Against US Criticism

Mr Lahart addressed criticism from senior US political figures, including Chairwoman of‍ the US ⁢House Republicans ‍Lisa McClain, who labelled⁢ the bill as “anti-Semitic hate.” He suggested that ⁤some statements used⁤ “traditional tropes about Ireland and stereotypes about Ireland,” and that Ireland’s maturity was ⁤demonstrated by its refusal to be swayed by such commentary.”There were worse statements using traditional tropes about Ireland⁢ and stereotypes about Ireland. And I think it’s an indication of the maturity of‍ Ireland that we don’t respond to those buttons,” he‍ said.

Crucial Inclusion of Services

A key aspect of the committee’s recommendations is the inclusion of services alongside goods. Autonomous senator Alice Mary Higgins stressed that the report’s recommendations are “vrey clear” on this point. Labor TD Duncan Smith added that⁣ the report sends‍ “a very strong message” to the Government.

Committee members stated at a press conference that ⁤any future government version of the bill that ⁤excludes services would require stronger evidence⁣ than what was presented during the committee’s ‍hearings.

independent senator Frances⁣ Black, who originally published the bill in 2018, described the report’s publication ⁣as “a hugely vital step” and reiterated that “the services issue is crucial.” She asserted that ⁢the ⁢committee’s⁣ stance signifies a desire to “do this right” and that any “scaremongering” should not detract from Ireland’s potential to “lead on this.” Senator Black drew parallels⁢ to Ireland’s past leadership on international issues, such as its stance against the apartheid regime in South Africa in the 1980s.

Next ⁢Steps for the Bill

Mr Lahart indicated that further work is required from the Government on the Occupied Territories Bill.”Among⁢ our recommendations is that the Government needs to try and quantify what services are, and one of the things that we did without was obviously the advice of the Attorney General,” he explained. He believes⁢ the committee has provided sufficient groundwork ‍to assist the Government in progressing the bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

The committee’s report has been forwarded to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for further review. While the Government has⁣ committed⁣ to fast-tracking the bill, the Dáil’s summer recess means a decision is unlikely⁤ before the Oireachtas reconvenes in September.