Irish Public Wary of Occupied Territories Bill

New poll reveals growing caution and focus on potential fallout for Ireland

Irish voters are increasingly hesitant about the Occupied Territories Bill, with nearly half now advocating for a pause or thorough investigation into its consequences for Ireland.

Shifting Public Sentiment

Recent polling indicates a significant shift in public opinion regarding the proposed legislation, which aims to prohibit trade with occupied Palestinian territories. While only 20% of voters support its immediate passage, an additional 14% believe its scope should be broadened before enactment.

A substantial 38% of the public feels the government should thoroughly examine the potential repercussions for Ireland before proceeding. Furthermore, 10% are outright opposed to the Bill’s passage, highlighting a widespread public inclination towards caution.

Bill’s Contentious Nature

The Occupied Territories Bill is currently under discussion by the Oireachtas foreign affairs committee and is slated for debate in the Dáil this autumn. It proposes a ban on commerce involving goods from occupied Palestinian territories.

Pro-Palestine advocates and opposition parties are pushing for the inclusion of a ban on services, a point ministers have indicated they are open to exploring. However, the Bill has faced strong criticism, labeled as anti-Semitic by the Israeli government, certain US politicians, and Irish Jewish community representatives. Critics point to the Bill’s specific targeting of Israel amidst numerous global conflicts.

Government’s Dilemma

The government faces considerable unease regarding the potential economic fallout from enacting the legislation. This is juxtaposed with significant public support for the Palestinian cause and a perception of Ireland taking a leading role within the EU on their behalf.

The latest poll data starkly contrasts with findings from April, when a slight majority favored swift introduction of the Bill. The current “net pass” figure, encompassing those who want the Bill as is or expanded, stands at 34%. Conversely, the “net don’t pass” figure, including those favoring a delay for consequence assessment and outright opposition, has risen to 48%.

Economic Concerns Raised

Danny McCoy, head of employers’ group Ibec, voiced concerns about the Bill’s impact on businesses, describing it as “hypocritical.”

“We’re not talking about millions here. This is not about actually helping in any material way. It’s symbolism and moral positioning, and so on. However, with moral positions, you can also reveal hypocrisy.”

—Danny McCoy, Head of Ibec

McCoy further stated that Ireland’s stance on Israel, while well-intentioned, is “causing us significant damage.” He acknowledged the difficulty in quantifying the exact economic impact but stressed that consequences are certain.

International Perspectives

Agnes Callamard, head of Amnesty International, urged Ireland to defy perceived “bullying” from the US and enact the Bill, calling it a crucial “precedent.”

Following discussions with government officials, Callamard expressed her belief that the government’s assessment anticipates “minimal” costs associated with the Bill’s passage. She felt there was a “prudent recognition that the cost could be handled,” deeming it unlikely to be a “determining factor.”

A recent report from the European Commission highlighted that trade in goods between the EU and Israeli settlements in the West Bank amounted to approximately €22 million in 2022, indicating the scale of potential trade disruption (Eurostat, 2023).