Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan has slammed reports that the government is preparing to drop services from the Occupied Territories Bill.
The Dublin MEP said:
“I’m really concerned at the reports that the government is preparing to drop services from The Occupied Territories Bill amid pressure from businesses.
“If this true, then it it will be an utterly cowardly act from our government.
“For two years they have watched Israel flatten Gaza, weaponise famine, deliberately block aid and deny their own war crimes as they became daily headlines.
“In recent days they have even seen Irish citizens illegally abducted from a flotilla bringing aid to Gaza.
“The joint Oireachtas committee on foreign affairs and trade themselves have called for services to be included in this bill.
“Yet, they’re only prepared to include goods in The Occupied Territories Bill, a move that would amount to €200,000 per year, a drop in the ocean in terms of what it could be.
“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael may talk a big game about their support for Palestine, but this shows where their priorities really lie.
“This is a case of money and business being more important to the government than human lives.
“I urge everyone to contact their local Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TD, and make it clear that we will not accept this disgraceful climbdown.
“The Occupied Territories Bill must be introduced in full, and it must happen now.”
