Sinn Féin has accused the Government of "dragging their feet" over the Occupied Territories Bill. 

If passed, it would ban trade between Ireland and Israel’s illegal settlements. 

Today, Sinn Féin will table a Dáil motion calling for the bill to be passed without further delay.  

Foreign Affairs spokesman Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said the Government needs to respect the wishes of the Irish people and pass the bill. 

“The Government have said time and time again that they intend to implement the Occupied Territories Bill but they have been dragging their feet,” he said. 

“All the parties committed to it during the election. 

“We are putting it to the Government that this needs to happen; a message needs to be sent that Israel cannot be allowed to act without impunity.” 

Leinster House. Picture by: Alamy.co.

Speaking earlier this year, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the bill in its current form is inadequate and “virtually every section” would need to be amended. 

He also said the Government is likely to simply table its own version of the legislation. 

However, Deputy Ó Laoghaire said there is no need for further delay. 

“Bring it to committee stage, that’s the stage that they can table amendments if they wish,” he said. 

“We can have the debate but let’s progress this; let’s not drag our heels, let’s not talk about new bills and try and water down the intent of the bill.” 

Israeli Ambassador Dana Erlich has described the Occupied Territories Bill as a “discriminatory attempt that aims to target Israel, while ironically criminalising any Irish people who may fall foul of it”. 

Ms Erlich added that she feared Hamas would see the bill as a “reward” for their actions on October 7th.

Main image: The Israeli flag at the Embassy in Dublin. Picture by: Sasko Lazarov/© RollingNews.ie