What is the occupied territories bill?
The Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018 (commonly known as the Occupied Territories Bill) is a proposed Irish law that would ban and criminalise "trade with and economic support for illegal settlements in territories deemed occupied under international law". Violators would face fines of up to €250,000 and up to five years in prison.
What is happening at the moment?
A government version of the bill was brought to cabinet on Tuesday May 27th. This version of the bill does not include services, only goods. The original version of the bill included goods and services.
Why does the bill not include services?
The government's legal advice is that services cannot be included in the bill due to EU law. However, a letter from more than 400 lawyers and academics was sent to the Taoiseach and Tánaiste last week stating that they felt there were no "insurmountable legal obstacles" in Irish, European or International law preventing the adoption of legislation prohibiting the import of both goods and services from illegal settlements.
Why should you sign the petition?
Last week Minister Simon Harris said he has "no issue" with a provision in the bill banning trade in services with Israeli firms based in Palestine. He also pointed out the need to overcome legal concerns in doing so. This petition asks the government to progress the Occupied Territories Bill that includes a ban on both goods and services. Your signature show your support for this version of the bill and increases pressure on government to pass a better version of the bill.