The US Embassy in Ireland has described the Occupied Territories Bill as a symbolic measure that will not bring peace and warned it may “harm Ireland’s economy.”
In a statement, the Embassy urged the Government to avoid pushing for similar legislation in the EU, instead encouraging “coordinated international efforts that deliver real impact.”
The Bill, which bans the import of goods from Israeli settlements in the illegally occupied Palestinian territories, was passed by the Oireachtas on the 15th of July and was signed into law by President Connolly on the 23rd of July.
On The Hard Shoulder, Larry Donnelly, law lecturer in the University of Galway and columnist with theJournal.ie, said that Ireland is in a very dangerous situation following the statement.
He warned of a “Brexit-level reconsideration” from US multinational companies in doing business in Ireland because of US domestic laws.
Prof. Donnelly said that multinational companies that operate in countries that pass laws deemed to be ‘anti-Israel’ are subject to “financial penalties [and] rigorous reporting requirements” under US federal law.
However, he believes that most companies affected by the Bill's passing will stay in the country but that they will have to devote manpower to comply with the US legislation.
‘The last thing Ireland needs’
Echoing the Embassy’s statement, Prof. Donnelly said that the introduction of the Occupied Territories Bill could weaken Ireland’s economy.
“What it could do is damage Ireland's economy, and not just the economy, not just the GDP, but the Irish people.”
He said there were many countries “dying to get foreign direct investment” and that this warning is the last thing Ireland’s current economic model needs.
Prof. Donnelly also said that the Occupied Territories Bill “won’t do a damn thing” to help the Palestinian people on the ground.
“The debate has been skewed drastically”
Prof. Donnelly alleged that Irish people do not realise the potential impact the Bill would have on their jobs.
He said that debate is “guided in one simple direction” and that it is “misguided.”
Prof Donnelly understood why debate is skewed, noting that “what we've seen for the past few years in Gaza is absolutely horrendous,” but that ‘do no harm’ principles of foreign policy are not seen in this Bill.
