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THE SEANAD HAS passed the Occupied Territories Bill to the next stage this evening.
The Bill, which was voted on this evening, aims to prohibit Ireland from trading in goods and services from Israeli-occupied territories by prohibiting “the import and sales of goods, services and natural resources originating in illegal settlements in occupied territories”.
Speaking about her Bill, Senator Frances Black wanted to clarify that the proposed legislation does not single out any state, adding that there is no mention of any particular region.
Despite government opposition, the Bill has cross-party support from Labour, Sinn Féin, Fianna Fáil as well as independent senators.
Sinn Féin’s Niall Ó Donnghaile said the Irish government is enabling a form of apartheid in Gaza, stating that the Irish government’s position on the Bill is “shameful”.
Fianna Fáil’s Seanad spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Ned O’Sullivan said his party decided to support the Bill as it has long held an interest in the Middle East peace process. However, in recent times he said he has become frustrated with the lack of progress.
During the course of the debate, Senator David Norris accused Fine Gael’s Joe O’Reilly of filibustering the discussion. Norris listed off the various legal authorities who have backed the Bill and found that it is fully compliant with EU law.
O’Reilly said it is often the case that the government follows the AG’s advice, which warns that Ireland could stand liable to class action.
The experts cited by Norris include Irish Senior Counsel, Michael Lynn, Professor James Crawford, who is a judge of the International Court of Justice as well as Senator Michael McDowell, a former attorney general.
Most recently, Takis Tridimas, a professor of EU law at King’s College London has attested to the legality of the Bill.
However, despite many legal experts stating the proposed legislation is compliant, Tánaiste Simon Coveney continues to rely on advice he said he has received from the current Attorney General, who says it would breach law. The advice has not been published.
Fine Gael Senator Michelle Mulherin added her voice to the opposition to the Bill, which she said is “unlawful”.
“This Bill will be passed by this House tonight,” said Gerard Craughwell, who added that there can be no doubt that Israel is illegally occupying an area and breaking international law.
While he said the passing of the Bill might not give “shock waves” to the Israeli government, but it might provide “a lead for rest of the EU to follow”.
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Would be great to overlay this report with one on how safe each area is, using criminality statistics.
I’m paying $2,000 (€1,350) for a 2 bed apartment in one of the nicest suburbs in Melbourne. 5 min walk to train station and in 10 mins I’m in the city. Yet the perception is that everything in Oz costs a bomb. Dublin you’re losing the plot.
The Aussie dollar has depreciated by 1/3 in the last year.
Not to mention that Melbourne is a 2nd tier city, Dublin is more on par with Sydney considerably more expensive than Melbourne.
Not sure where you’re getting your figures from but AUD v EUR is at pretty much the same rate as it was a year ago. Melbourne is a rapidly expanding city, voted the worlds most livable city in the world for the last 3 years and has had massive investment from overseas. There is no way the average gaff in Shankill should cost more. Sydney is a basket case like London and any comparison to Dublin is ridiculous.
Drew put the bottle down and go to bed! Melbourne a second tier city compared to Dublin?? I’m not sure I’ve heard anything more ridiculous! A population of more than 4 million people with great transport infrastructure and a great cultural scene! It’s an amazing city.
It’s cold brrrrr
Doesn’t take you long to pick up the attitudes of the attitudes and rivalries of locals now did it…
Nothing changes the fact that Sydney is the largest and most in demand commercial centre of Australia, likewise Dublin is the largest and most commercial centre of Ireland.
Fact is $1 million Aussie will get you 40sqm on the current market in sydney, while it will get you 90sqm in Melbourne.
Which would be useful if we were comparing Sydney and Melbourne. But we’re comparing Dublin and Melbourne. I absolutely love both cities but it’s ridiculous that you get more bang for your buck in Melbourne all things considered.
Exactly… You’re comparing rent in the second tier commercial center of a country with the first tier of another country.
The comparison is not like for like.
There’s no place like home though.
Pretty sure this article ran last week too. Is Daft not getting the clicks this month?
Last week was purchase prices, this is rent.
Oh hum – well it’s a free market !
There is no residential property within walking distance of the Citywest Business Campus stop so what are daft basing their figure on for this one?
My brother lives a 4 min walk from Citywest stop. Trapped in horrendous negative equity though
The headline and lead make it seem as if there’s a strong correlation between distance from the city centre and rent prices. In reality, the differences are mostly due to neighbourhood type.
Should have bought an apartment in Spencer Dock in 2013. Would be 100 grand richer at least by now.
Many green Line tickets cost more too!
Renting lol
Negative equity lol
Having a fair society lol
Where are the 5 cheapest places to buy a home? I only see the 5 most expensive ?
have your say