Smith calls government failure to pass OTB “deeply cynical”

Labour foreign affairs spokesperson Duncan Smith has criticised the government for “further kicking the can” on enacting the Occupied Territories Bill.

Following the Taoiseach’s trip to Washington, it had been reported he said the OTB had been “dropped” by the government but Martin later clarified that the OTB, as it stands, is unconstitutional and would need to be drawn up again before being made law.

He told reporters that it is unlikely that the OTB would be passed in the current Dáil term, but would be likely to be passed in the proceeding one.

In its current form, the OTB would compel the government to stop trading between Ireland and Israeli business interests in the West Bank.

Smith said that Martin’s comments indicate the government are going to “water down” the legislation.

“Just this afternoon, a reported 85 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza. At almost the same time, the Taoiseach is committing to watering down the Occupied Territories Bill, one of the only mechanisms we have as a nation to show solidarity the people of Palestine.”

The Labour TD called on Tanaiste Simon Harris to propose the government’s planned changes to the OTB so it can be held up to scrutiny by opposition parties.

“There is widespread agreement across the aisles on the need to pass this legislation, so why the delay?”, the Dublin Fingal East TD asked.

“Throughout the general election, a mere four months ago, both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil reaffirmed their commitment to this piece of legislation. Since their latest coalition has formed, all we’ve seen is row backs,” he commented.

“We hear support for the Occupied Territories Bill from people all over the country. We in Labour have long advocated for more effective trade sanctions on Israel, similar to the international pressure that helped end apartheid in South Africa. Israel’s actions have been abundantly clear – we need concerted international pressure.

“This is about sending a message to the people of Palestine. A message that Ireland sees their suffering, Ireland stands with them, and Ireland will not turn a blind eye. The Taoiseach’s failure to do so is outrageous.”