Tánaiste to include services from Israeli settlements in trade ban
TÁNAISTE SIMON HARRIS has vowed to include the provision of services to legislation that will ban imports from Israeli settlements if it stands up to legislative scrutiny.
Harris also said he wants to put pressure on the other 26 European countries to consider banning trade with occupied Palestinian territories, and called on opposition parties to contact their counterparts in the bloc.
He said Ireland is the only country to publish legislation to ban imports from the occupied Palestinian territories, saying it is 'pretty lonely out there', adding it would be 'a hell of a lot better' if Europe moved together on it.
The legislation was approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday morning.
Harris brought forward the renamed Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025.
The Government opted for fresh legislation instead of progressing the Occupied Territories Bill, first tabled in 2018.
Advertisement
It will now go before an Oireachtas committee for examination.
The Tánaiste said that every Government TD will be expected to back the legislation as it forms part of the Programme for Government.
'Let's not forget one thing before we get into the detail of the legislation, there isn't another country in the European Union that you can visit today and ask a government minister about their Bill to ban trade and the detail of it, because they don't have one,' he added.
'We're the first country in the European Union to take this step. We're the first country in the European Union say, yes, trade is a European competency, and it'll be a hell of a lot better if Europe moves together, and a hell of a lot more impactful.
'But in the absence of Europe moving together, we're going to go ahead with our own domestic legislation.
'I would really ask the opposition here not to do this lazy politicking of you know, opposition good, government bad. Everybody in this country is sickened to the pit of their stomach with the genocide they see in Gaza.
'They don't care, the people of Ireland, who they vote for in an election in relation to this, they just know in their gut what is happening, particularly children in Gaza, is genocide is wrong, and everyone has to do everything they want.
'I have no policy difference, zero policy difference with the opposition in relation to the inclusion of services, but we do have a Constitution, we are members of the European Union, and I'm not in the business of putting together legislation that would fall at the first legal hurdle.
Related Reads
Opinion: We don't need a new Occupied Territories Bill – improve this one and pass it quickly
Occupied Territories Bill to be replaced by new legislation, Martin confirms
'I presume everybody here wants to pass a law that is impactful, a law that is in compliance with the laws of our land.'
Earlier this week, a number of countries, including Ireland, asked the European Commission to examine how goods produced in illegal Jewish settlements 'can be brought into line with international law'.
Harris said he does not believe the European Union has made itself compliant with the ICJ advisory opinion.
'We will do our own legislation, (I am) open to services, absolutely open to working constructively with the opposition, but also keep the pressure on at the European level,' he added.
'What I hope the opposition will be doing today, every opposition leader should be picking up the telephone, and they should be ringing their counterparts in European countries and saying, 'hey, have you seen here in Ireland we're bringing forward a domestic legislation, would you think about doing it yourself?
'Because so far, it's pretty lonely out there. There's not one other country in Europe that has published any legislation to ban trade, and I'd really appreciate the opposition's help with their counterparts in the 26 other European states.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Journal
an hour ago
- The Journal
EU may end up cutting services and asking Ireland for more cash to settle a €30bn Covid bill
Muiris O'Cearbhaill CUTS TO GRANT schemes and increases in the amount of money given to the EU each year by Ireland may be considered in order to pay back an annual €30bn bill which was racked up following Europe's Covid response plan. €732bn was made available to member states during the Covid-19 pandemic, aimed at protecting the European economy. The annual cost to repay that debt for the EU could reach up to €30bn every year from 2028. The figure is a fifth of the EU's current five-year budgetary plan. A new spending plan is currently being developed and will give politicians a clear picture on how member states can afford to pay the bill back. Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher, who is a member of the European Parliament's taxation committee, believes services like grant schemes may be cut and contributions from member states may be increased to raise the funds needed to repay Europe's debts. The budget plan – what's called the multiannual financial framework – is due to be announced on 16 July. Currently, the EU spends €160bn every year on schemes such as grant programmes for local authorities and infrastructure investments. The budget could be cut back in order to make more funds available to repay the debts. This could come at the cost of local community groups, who may rely on funding from European programmes to keep service hubs open or pay operating costs for community centres. Another option for the EU is to instead increase the amount that its members pay in each year. In 2023, Ireland paid €3.69bn in EU contribution fees for the annual budget . Ireland currently pays more money into the EU's budget than it receives each year . Kelleher told The Journal : 'We're going to either have to increase the budget through contributions [from member states] or find additional resources.' He added the issue will be a 'key debate' in the coming years. Advertisement It could involve tense discussions if member states, like Ireland, must foot the annual bill in order to keep services for groups that rely on the EU's funding schemes active. Asked how the debate might be settled, the Ireland South MEP said he believes the EU may 'fall a little bit between the two'. He added that there might be 'just a small' increase in contributions from member states, including Ireland. Potential increases come at a time when Ireland is experiencing significant uncertainty around the economy, with the looming threat of tariffs by US President Trump. There is a significant level of unpredictability felt in Brussels over the pending deadline. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that potential tariffs by the US on the Irish economy could impact the domestic budget . Analysis from the Central Bank suggests US tariffs could lead to slower economic growth and a fall in the creation of new jobs . Corporation tax receipts – a massive earner for the state - fell in May and companies in Ireland with business in the US, such as Guinness maker Diageo, are projecting the tariffs to cost them millions of euro this year . Kelleher said: 'A lot of member states who are making contributions are, financially, in very stringent times. If you look at France and Germany, for example. I mean, their two economies are really struggling.' Asked if it would be difficult to justify an increase in Irish contributions in the scenario that US tariffs have a major impact on the economy, the MEP told The Journal that the amount of contributions is based on economic growth. Current forecasts suggest, even if US tariffs have an impact on Ireland, the economy will continue to grow. Speaking in Brussels this week, justice commissioner Michael McGrath said there are no forecasts predicting any major impacts to the European economy. RRF repayments will begin in 2028 and continue into the long-term. A minimum of 37% of the funds were allocated to climate-related investments, while 20% were dedicated to the digital transition plan for member states. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
IDF ‘assassinates Hamas mastermind of October 7' who founded terror group's military wing in targeted Israeli airstrike
ISRAEL says it has killed one of the last masterminds behind the bloody October 7 attacks. Senior Hamas commander Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa was "eliminated" in a targeted airstrike on Gaza City, according to the IDF. 1 Senior Hamas commander Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa was reportedly killed by the IDF The Israel Defense Forces said Al-Issa — described as a founding member of Hamas' military wing — was 'eliminated' in an operation on the Sabra neighbourhood. 'Issa led Hamas' force build-up, training, and planned the October 7 massacre,' the IDF posted on X. As Head of Combat Support, he advanced aerial & naval attacks against Israelis. 'The IDF & [Israel Security Agency] will continue to locate and eliminate all terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre.' Read more world news According to Palestinian reports, Al-Issa was killed along with his wife and grandson, though this has not been independently confirmed. The IDF later said it had verified his death, according to Al-Issa is widely believed to have played a pivotal role in orchestrating the October 7 bloodbath on southern Israel that triggered the current war, with terrorists slaughtering kidnapping dozens of innocent people. The military described him as a 'central knowledge figure' and a high-value target who was instrumental in building Hamas' training and weapons programmes. Most read in The US Sun The IDF said in a statement: 'In the past, Issa led Hamas' force-buildup efforts in the Gaza Strip, was one of the founders of its military wing, served as Head of the Training Headquarters, and was a member of Hamas' General Security Council. 'Additionally, Issa played a significant role in the planning and execution of the brutal October 7 massacre.' Security officials further claimed he co-founded the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades' military academy. There, he oversaw the training of thousands of fighters and helped shape the group's technological capabilities. He reportedly brought extensive combat experience from Iraq and Syria when he arrived in Gaza from Syria in 2005. His killing comes just a week after the IDF and Shin Bet said they had eliminated Ali Saadi Wasfi al-Agha, a senior figure in the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement who was allegedly set to take over as its leader. Israel has also ramped up strikes on the Kataib al-Mujahideen's leadership — a smaller but reportedly highly lethal armed wing linked to the October 7 atrocities, including the abduction and murder of Israeli civilians and foreign workers. The latest elimination of Al-Issa underscores Israel's ongoing campaign to hunt down Hamas commanders it holds responsible for the massacre that set off months of relentless fighting in Gaza. The IDF vowed its operations would continue until all those behind the attacks are 'brought to justice.' More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos . Like us on Facebook at
The Journal
3 hours ago
- The Journal
Dublin awash with colour as thousands take part in Pride parade
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE have taken to the streets of Dublin to mark this year's Pride parade. Organisers said there were more than 12,000 people marching in the annual parade. This year's event also celebrated a milestone 10 years of marriage equality. The capital's streets were filled with an array of colour, music and dance as the parade made its way to Merrion Square's Pride Village for speeches and entertainment. Among those taking part was Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, Labour leader Ivana Bacik, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers. Citing the previous work of the Government to address gay rights and equality, Martin told the crowd at Merrion Square that he is aware 'our work is far from done'. Martin was forced to raise his voice as a small number of protesters shouted for better trans rights and health care access during his speech. Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin with Lord Mayor Emma Blain at the Pride parade in Dublin City centre today. Justin Farrelly / © Justin Farrelly / © / © The Fianna Fáil leader said: 'LGBTIQ+ people in Ireland today still face a myriad of challenges, and the Government is committed to bolstering our efforts to address these challenges and delivering for our LGBTIQ+ citizens. 'There are global trends of increased harassment and persecution of LGBTIQ+ people across the world, which make many of our LGBTIQ+ citizens feel deeply concerned and unsafe. 'This is not the vision for Ireland that we are striving to build.' Martin continued: 'Our goal is to build a society in which LGBTIQ+ people can live safe, inclusive, healthy and fulfilling lives in an accepting and compassionate Ireland. 'The new LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy will promote and respect the right of LGBTIQ+ people to live their lives safely, free of harassment and violence. 'It will advance health and wellbeing outcomes through improved investment and access to a range of health services. 'It will build on initiatives already undertaken within the business community and by employers so that LGBTIQ+ people are enabled to participate fully within the workplace. 'This new strategy will seek to deliver a fairer and more inclusive Ireland, and Government departments and state agencies are determined to work together to that end.' The grand marshal of Dublin Pride, Ruadhán Ó Criodáin, who has long advocated for LGBT+ rights, told the crowd in Merrion Square: 'We all want better futures for the next generation of queer people, but without education or health care, trans people can't see those futures for ourselves. 'I know you won't let our community die for the want of a future. I know that each of you will stand with trans people, I know that you will stand up and fight back. 'I know that you won't give in to the transphobe you've seen take hold in the UK, because we are stronger than that. 'The far right and the TERF (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminism) movement want to divide the LGBT community.' 'They want to isolate your trans siblings, because then it'll be easier to tear us all apart. Advertisement 'If they come for us first, they will come for all of you next. But I won't let that happen to my community, and I know you'll promise me the same. 'There is no LGBT without the T.' Dublin Mayor Emma Blaine said: 'Today, we march through the heart of our capital, a city that celebrates diversity, embraces inclusion and champions equality. 'Pride is more than a parade. It's a powerful statement of love, of visibility and of resilience. 'It's a celebration of how far we have come and a reminder of the work still ahead. 'Dublin has a proud history of standing up for the rights of its citizens. 'We remember today, the trailblazers, the activists and the everyday people who fought and continue to fight for dignity, respect and justice.' She added: 'To our LGBTQ+ young people, know that you are valued, you are seen, and you belong, this city stands with you. 'To all the allies here today, thank you for walking beside us, not just today, but every day.' Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The parade started at O'Connell Street at 12.30pm, and travelled along Eden Quay and Custom House Quay before crossing the Talbot Memorial Bridge, up Lombard Street and Westland Row before finishing at Merrion Square. The non-ticketed festival at the Pride Village included music, food stalls, acts and speeches on the main stage. In his last year as president, Michael D Higgins offered his warmest greetings ahead of the Pride parade. He said: 'This annual celebration is a vital affirmation of the rights, dignity, and joy of our LGBT+ communities. 'It is a time, too, to remember with gratitude the courage of those who paved the way for progress when marching was not safe, who gave voice to truths that were long silenced, and who set the foundations for the inclusive Ireland that we continue to strive towards today. 'In recent years, great strides have been made in advancing the rights and recognition of LGBT+ people in Ireland. 'In celebrating Pride this year, we are also marking the 10th anniversary of the Marriage Equality referendum, a moment that spoke of the kind of Ireland we aspire to be: inclusive, generous, an Ireland that is unafraid to affirm the equal worth of all of our citizens. 'Yet, we must also acknowledge that the journey is not complete. 'A truly inclusive society is one where all can live authentically and creatively, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, where all can participate fully, and where all voices are not only heard but valued, in all their richness and diversity. 'Pride remains a vital expression of that vision in challenging us to deepen our commitment to human rights, to solidarity, and to the kind of republic that cherishes all of its people equally. 'In a time when hard-won rights are being questioned in many parts of the world, such vigilance and unity are more vital than ever.' There were road closures in the city centre.
