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The Journal
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Drafting of bill to ban imports from Occupied Palestinian territories to get greenlight
TÁNAISTE SIMON HARRIS is to seek Cabinet approval today for a bill to ban imports from the illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian territories. The bill in its original form would have banned all trade with illegally occupied territories, including illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine. The revised bill, however, is not expected to cover services, just goods. The government has faced consistent criticism from opposition parties and pro-Palestine activists for its failure to pass the Occupied Territories bill, which was first introduced in 2018. The government's own version of the bill comes after Harris said it was the government's analysis was that substantive amendments would be required to most, if not all, of the original bill's provisions in order to bring it in line with the Constitution and to try to reduce the risk of EU infringement procedures. It is understood that Harris will tell his Cabinet colleagues this morning that Israel's humanitarian blockade and renewed bombardment of Gaza has resulted in a situation of unprecedented gravity. While Ireland does minimal trade with the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the Tánaiste will say that the government has been resolute in its determination to use every lever available to end the war in the Middle East. He will say there is now growing support at EU level on issues where Ireland demonstrated early leadership with a small group of partners, including on the review of Israel's compliance with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement which now take place. Advertisement Harris will tell ministers that it is the government's desire to pursue a twin track approach, seeking to build support at a European level to ensure compliance with international law, while advancing domestic legislation, which he hopes the relevant Oireachtas committee can begin to scrutinise in June. Last week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that the EU Israel Association Agreement with Israel should be suspended now, pending the review agreed by EU foreign ministers. He said this would be 'a sign that there can be no business as usual'. Martin said there is absolutely 'no justification in any shape or form' for Israel's actions which is causing immense death and destruction to an entire population. Inflicting hunger on a civilian population 'clearly constitutes a war crime', he said. Tariff threats and CETA controversy Separately, harris will also update Cabinet today on the latest trade developments after a threatened 50% tariff on the EU was paused by US President Donald Trump until 9 July. The Tánaiste will tell colleagues that the halfway mark of the original 90-day pause has now passed, meaning there are just 43 days left for the EU and the US to engage in meaningful and substantive negotiations aimed at reaching a deal. He will outline that the EU has shared with the US its ideas for an 'EU-US Agreement on Reciprocal Mutually Beneficial Trade'. 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 FactCheck: The Occupied Territories Bill will not ban all trade between Israel and Ireland This proposal includes options aimed at reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers, promoting economic security, as well as facilitating strategic purchases, business opportunities and investment. The Tánaiste will also ask Cabinet to approve the drafting of the Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2025 which will allow for the ratification of the EU-Canada trade deal, known as CETA. Harris will point out that in his view, CETA is an important part of Ireland's market diversification strategy. However, CETA has been mired in controversy, with 10 member states declining to ratify it . The Irish Supreme Court ruled that ratification of CETA would be unconstitutional in the absence of a change to Irish domestic legislation. The ruling stated that a referendum could be avoided on the matter if legislation were introduced, but the court said that was a matter for the government. Finally, the Tánaiste will ask ministers to approve the participation of the Defence Forces in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for a further period of 12 months. Ireland's participation in UNIFIL represents the State's largest overseas deployment, with 345 Defence Forces personnel currently serving as part of a joint Irish-Polish Battalion in Southern Lebanon. 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 Journal
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Harris vows to outline timeline for Occupied Territories Bill promising progress 'within weeks'
TÁNAISTE SIMON HARRIS has vowed to set out the timeline for the government's version of the Occupied Territories bill, pledging progress will be made 'within weeks'. His promise comes amid the release of a joint statement yesterday from Harris and foreign ministers from Iceland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia and Spain condemning Israel's plans for a prolonged occupation of Gaza and rejection of the prospect of any measure that would forcibly displace the population. In addition to pushing on with the Occupied Territories legislation, Harris said he plans to write to the EU Commission demanding a review of the EU trade agreement with Israel, a request that was already sent to European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen last year, which received no response. Occupied Territories legislation Harris met with Senator Frances Black, who drafted the original Occupied Territories Bill, yesterday. He told reporters he plans to speak with her again next week, stating that he plans to set out a timeline of when the government's legislation can be implemented. While the Tánaiste would not go into specifics, he set out that he plans to seek Cabinet approval 'very quickly' to draft the government bill that would ban the importation of goods from illegal Israeli settlements. 'I'd like to do it within weeks and I'd like to do it before the summer recess,' he said. 'I do intend, as the responsible minister, to honour the programme for government commitment in terms of legislating in relation to trade with the occupied Palestinian territories,' added Harris. Harris said he didn't want there to be any doubt about the government's motivations to move this bill quickly, but he added that it is 'important that any bill we produce is robust'. Advertisement 'I don't want to pass any bill that makes people feel better in terms of we've done something, but it doesn't have impact. We're in the business here of trying to have impact, trying to stop the killing of children,' he said, adding that there is no reason why all parties on both sides of the Houses can't work together to progress the bill together. EU trade agreement with Israel In addition, Harris also outlined that he wants other EU countries to follow Ireland's lead and call for the trade agreement between the EU and Israel to be reviewed. 'I want to see if a number of countries now are willing to restate what Ireland has already stated. And of course, Ireland has been engaging on the context of the letter [to von Der Leyen] for a significant period of time. But being very honest, it's been a minority view of the European Union… Ireland has been clear, Spain has been clear, the Netherlands is clear today. 'I hope other countries that are like-minded in relation to the situation, like Slovenia, like Luxembourg, may also be willing to give consideration to this,' he said. Harris said he intends to continue to work at a European level, stating that there is no doubt the best way to apply the maximum pressure on Israel is through the European Union Act,' he said. 'So while we're going to look at what we can do here at the national level, in parallel, we have to keep working at a European level. It's the most clear cut from a legal point of view in terms of trade being an EU competency, and it's the most impactful, in terms of the scale of the European Union and the Association Agreement between the EU and Israel,' said the Tánaiste. The EU/Israel Association Agreement, which came into force in 2000, provides the legal and institutional framework for political dialogue and economic cooperation between the EU and Israel. Article 2 of the agreement states that it 'shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles'. Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez sent a letter to von der Leyen in February last year asking that the Commission undertakes an 'urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its obligations'. No response followed. Harris said today that what the Israeli government announced this week in relation to Gaza 'is sickening, is despicable, is a clear breach of international law, and does, of course, constitute a war crime'. 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 Journal
06-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
'The world is not doing enough': Tánaiste 'sickened' by Israel's continued blockade of Gaza
TÁNAISTE SIMON HARRIS has said he is 'sickened' by Israel's continued blockade of aid into Gaza and argued that the 'world is not doing enough'. 'We cannot and will not stand idly by and let this happen,' he said. 'When people look back at this moment in history, they're going to look back and they're going to say the world did not do enough. Be clear about that, the world is not doing enough,' he added. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs made the comments today at the Global Ireland conference in Dublin Castle, where he delivered a speech about Ireland's role in the world and this government's foreign policy. Harris told those gathered that Israel's latest plan to expand its operation in Gaza is 'extraordinarily alarming'. He appealed for Israel to comply with international law. It is now over two months since Israel imposed the blockade, with humanitarian organisations warning that Gaza is now on the brink of famine as a result. Simon Harris speaking this morning. The Tánaiste called for an immediate end to hostilities, the release of all remaining hostages, and the resumption of humanitarian aid at scale into and throughout Gaza. Ukraine The Tánaiste also spoke about the need for an end to Russia's illegal war against Ukraine. He said Russia's actions represent a 'serious threat to global peace and security' and stressed that any negotiations on peace must have Ukraine's voice at the centre. Advertisement He argued that one of the most important long-term security guarantees that can be offered to Ukraine is membership of the European Union. 'It is time to bring Ukraine into the European family where it belongs,' he said to applause. Also speaking this morning at the conference was Ukraine's Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, who addressed the conference by video link from Kyiv. In his speech, he thanked Ireland for 'standing on the side of good' since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago. He said he does not believe Moscow is serious about a ceasefire. 'Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire,' he said, adding that the country is also ready for real peace but that confidence measures are needed, such as the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war. Tariffs The Tánaiste also spoke about the European Union's response to Trump's tariffs. He stressed that the EU stands united in its response to the economic uncertainty, adding that 'so many people underestimate EU unity'. He said Ireland sees 'no justification at all for tariffs imposed by the US'. 'Those who think the European Union will not be united on trade and the economy, don't understand the European Union and don't understand our values,' he said. In attendance today at the Global Ireland Summit in Dublin Castle are members for Ireland's diplomatic corps, leaders from across the civil and public service, business, and the community and civil society sectors. Ireland's ambassadors, consuls general and other senior officials from across the Embassy network are also in attendance. 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 Journal
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Tánaiste says he does not believe weapons have been flown through Irish airspace to Israel
TÁNAISTE SIMON HARRIS has said he doesn't believe that weapons are been flown through Ireland's airspace to Israel. But he said it was 'a real challenge' to know what is being carried through Irish skies and said more work was needed in this area. The Tánaiste was speaking on RTÉ's Late Late Show, where he was asked about housing, his leadership of Fine Gael, neutrality and Donald Trump's 100 days in office. He said he had spoken to officials in his department yesterday about the Occupied Territories Bill, which would ban trade between Ireland and illegal Israeli settlements. The bill had been stalled until after November's general election, after which the Government suggested that new legislation was now required. 'We're going to have to do more (on Palestine),' Harris said. 'I meant it when I said I think we should legislate in relation to the Occupied Territories. 'I will fulfil the commitment of the programme for government to bring forward legislation in relation to the occupied territories, we have to do everything humanly possible here, use every lever at our disposal,' he said. He said that delays in passing legislation were about ensuring it is 'legally robust'. 'I've been talking to officials in my Department on it as recently as today, and we will bring forward legislation, and I'll have a further update on what I hope is the timeline for that next week.' He added that he would be meeting with Senator Frances Black, who first introduced the Occupied Territories Bill into the Dáil in 2018, next week to discuss the Bill. 'I'm not going to pass a law that won't stand up to legal test,' said Harris. 'I'm not going to do something, though, just to be seen to be doing something. He said he would have a further update with a 'timeline' on the Bill next week. Asked if weapons were being flown through Irish skies to Israel, Harris said: 'I don't believe it is.' But he admitted more international co-operation was needed to find out what is being flown through Irish skies. Advertisement Tánaiste Simon Harris on the use of Irish airspace #latelate — The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) May 2, 2025 'I think we obviously need to see if there's more that needs to be done in relation to that,' he said. 'The information available to me is that people need to seek consent before any such flights take place, and there is no information available to me in relation to that happening. 'I also have to be very conscious that when planes fly well above our skies, the ability of Ireland on its own to know exactly what goes through Irish airspace is a real challenge. 'I do think we need to work at an international level in terms of the treaties that govern those issues. 'I accept there's more that needs to be done in relation to that.' Harris remarked that that children in Gaza are 'being starved' and there are reports of basic pain-killing medication being unavailable. 'Hamas, let me be clear, is a despicable terrorist organisation, they offer the people of Palestine no future,' he said. 'What happened in Israel on 7 October is a disgusting terrorist attack. All the hostages should be released, of course. 'What is happening to the people of Gaza is despicable, disgusting, unconscionable and a humanitarian catastrophe. And we've got to continue to do everything we can, (use) every lever in Ireland and at a European level to help bring about a ceasefire.' And when asked on Trump's first 100 days in office, Harris replied to applause: 'Is that all?' Tánaiste Simon Harris on President Donald Trump #latelate — The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) May 2, 2025 He added that the Irish government will engage with the US and said: 'We have to be honest with friends and it's easy to turn up in Washington when everyone's getting along great, it's much harder to turn up when you points of disagreement.' At a confirmation hearing this week for the US ambassador to Ireland nominee, Edward Sharp, there were calls for Sharp to ensure o 'Ireland understands America strongly supports Israel'. The chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee described the decision by Ireland to recognise the State of Palestine as a 'mistake' and Senatore Ted Cruz attacked Ireland for saying it would exercise arrest warrants issued for Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ireland was also called on to 'increase defence spending to safeguard vital undersea cables from our shared enemies'. -With additional reporting from Diarmuid Pepper
The Journal
02-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Tánaiste urges Israel to lift Gaza aid blockade as region on 'verge of total collapse'
SIMON HARRIS HAS called on Israel to end its two-month blockade of aid entering the Gaza Strip as the Red Cross warns the region is on 'the verge of total collapse'. The Tánaiste released a statement today, exactly two months into the blockade which the World Health Organisation (WHO) described as an 'abomination'. Harris posted a strongly-worded statement to X where urged Israel to bring an end to the 'unconscionable' suffering of people in Gaza. 'No humanitarian or commercial supplies have entered Gaza in over eight weeks as a result of the Israeli blockade,' he began. 'Children are starving. Hospitals are running out of basic painkillers. The World Food Programme has said that its food stocks are now depleted. Life-saving aid is available and urgently needed, but trucks cannot cross into Gaza.' An aid delivery truck in Gaza during the ceasefire, January 2025. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Describing the resumption of bombing in the enclave as 'disastrous', Harris called on Israel to obey international law by ending the impasse. 'Ireland calls on Israel to immediately lift the blockade and allow for unimpeded access to humanitarian aid.' Advertisement Israel strictly controls all inflows of international aid vital for the 2.4 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. It halted aid deliveries to Gaza on 2 March, days before the collapse of a ceasefire that had significantly reduced hostilities after 15 months of war. Since the start of the blockade, the United Nations has repeatedly warned of the humanitarian catastrophe on the ground, with famine again looming. 'We have to ask ourselves: How much blood is enough to satisfy whatever the political objectives are,' WHO emergencies director Mike Ryan told reporters in Geneva. 'We are breaking the bodies and the minds of the children of Gaza. We are starving the children of Gaza, because if we don't do something about it we are complicit in what is happening.' UNIEF Ireland said yesterday that Israel's maintenance of the current aid blockade into Gaza is 'a clear breach of humanitarian law' which it says is causing 'unimaginable horror'. Pascal Hundt of the International Committee of the Red Cross said in a statement today: 'Civilians in Gaza are facing an overwhelming daily struggle to survive the dangers of hostilities, cope with relentless displacement, and endure the consequences of being deprived of urgent humanitarian assistance,'. Supplies are dwindling and the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) last Friday said it had sent out its 'last remaining food stocks' to kitchens. With reporting from AFP. 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
