The cabinet approved a bill to prohibit the importation of goods from the Occupied Territories, with opposition criticism regarding the exclusion of services. Social Democrats Senator Patricia Stephenson urged for the Dáil to convene during the summer recess to expedite the bill’s passage. While Tánaiste Mr Harris expressed no objection to this, some opposition members argued that excluding services would undermine the bill's effectiveness. Taoiseach Micheal Martin highlighted the bill's symbolic significance, noting Ireland's efforts to support Palestine through other channels.
We need to see this bill enacted as a matter of urgency, even if this means recalling the Dáil next week and delaying summer recess, said Ms Stephenson.
The Tánaiste said he wants to use the levers available to government and this is one of the levers.
Opposition TDs argued the bill should not be a watering down of the original draft and sought the inclusion of services.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin emphasized the importance of the bill as a symbolic move, despite Ireland having little trade with the Occupied Territories.
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