Ireland’s government is taking steps to implement a bill that would restrict trade with the Palestinian territories following a UN court ruling that allows Dublin to make independent trade decisions separate from the European Union. The “Occupied Territories Bill,” initially proposed in 2018, gained widespread support in Ireland’s parliament but was stalled due to EU trade policy regulations. However, Foreign Minister Michael Martin announced that the recent UN court decision has altered the government’s approach to the bill.
Martin stated that while trade falls under EU jurisdiction, there are provisions in EU law that permit individual states to take action if necessary. As a result, the Irish government plans to reevaluate the bill, ensuring compliance with EU regulations and the country’s constitution. Despite the complexity of policy and legal issues, the government aims to address them as part of the review process.
With an upcoming election in Ireland, the coalition government, led by Martin, is expected to maintain power. Opposition parties have long advocated for a ban on trade with the occupied Palestinian territories, and Ireland’s recent recognition of a Palestinian state has further strained relations with Israel.