The government’s inability to clarify when it will enact the Occupied Territories Bill is shameful, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson.
Senator Stephenson said:
“In response to Social Democrats party leader Holly Cairns during today’s leaders’ questions, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said that the Occupied Territories Bill is considered priority legislation and that it would be introduced ‘this term’.
“This is not a helpful timeline given there are four years remaining in this Dáil term and 51 pieces of legislation were designated a priority this summer.
“If this legislation was really a priority for government, there would be a clear timeline and a date for when it will become law.
“For two years now, we have watched in horror as a genocide unfolds in Gaza. While this government has excelled at issuing strong statements, it has failed abysmally when it comes to taking action.
“What will it take for this government to treat the progression of the Occupied Territories Bill with the urgency the people of Palestine deserve?
“Enacting legislation to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements was a solemn commitment of this government. It must immediately clarify when this will actually happen.”
September 23rd, 2025