The Week at Work

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I've been inundated today with questions about the Occupied Territories Bill, so let me get a few things clear. Firstly, it makes no real difference whether Government passes my legislation, or comes forward with its own. I honestly don’t care who gets the credit for it, or whose name is on the end of a Bill. I have been fighting for this bill since 2018 for one reason – because I firmly believe that it is the right thing to do. The settlements are totally illegal, rob families of their land, and undermine the prospects for peace. We say this again and again, but then trade in the proceeds of the crime. It is hypocritical and has to stop! What actually matters is the policy. Whether it is my Bill, or a Govt Bill, the key thing is: will it implement a *full ban on all trade* with the illegal settlements? Will it do what is required of us under international law, as made crystal clear by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), or will there be carve outs or exemptions or a watering down? This is the one question every journalist, activist and politician should be asking when the Dáil reconvenes, and when any legislation is moved forward – regardless of who has sponsored it. Second, many commentators would like us to forget about international law, so I am going to remind them. In July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the highest court in the world, issued an historic finding. It found that not only is the occupation illegal, that the settlements are illegal, but that there is a legal “obligation” on all states not to trade with them. This is a clear requirement set out by the highest court in the world. The question now is whether we will take it seriously. The Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have both referred to these “obligations”, and I’m glad to see this recognition. The PfG also commits to following the ICJ. But the court was absolutely clear: states must “abstain from entering into economic or trade dealings” and “prevent trade or investment relations” with Israel regarding the occupied territories and the illegal settlements (para 278). There is no ambiguity here. They do not separate this out into physical goods on the one hand and services on the other, because it is not the 1950s. Trade means trade. We cannot just attempt to ignore one aspect of this because it is politically more challenging. What we are asking for here is also not new. In 2014 Ireland and the EU quickly banned trade in goods *and* services with Russian-occupied territory. This full ban was implemented within months of Russian’s illegal occupation of Ukrainian territory, and rightly so. Why should there be a double standard? International law must be applied equally and consistently, or else it means nothing. This matters even more given the EU’s shameful response to the genocide in Gaza. I will say it again: if we want to give effect to the ICJ ruling then the quickest and best way to do that is to pass the Occupied Territories Bill. I have no issue with technical amendments to strengthen and improve it, and it is misleading and unfair to suggest otherwise. But what matters is that a full ban is implemented and that we stick to our commitments. No more theft of land without consequences. No more ifs or buts. Ireland can lead on this, and there’s no more time to waste. I truly believe we’ve gotten this far because ordinary people all over the country have spoken out and demanded action. We have to keep doing so, starting outside the Dáil next Weds 22nd and at the @ipsc48 march in Dublin this Saturday 25th. See you there. Frances

Last session of Day 2 on the 'Rise of the Far Right' with @MarielaInt and @soundmigration chaired by @Sean_Byers84 #ScoilChoisClaí2024

Stunning version of Oh Where is Our James Connolly, sung by @EoghanOCPBP at the official launch of The Lost and Early Writings of James Connolly in Kilmainham Gaol this evening.

This is a must listen for anyone looking to understand the ECJ Apple tax ruling and what it tells us about the Irish state's role in the world system.

The Republic of Ireland is a tax haven, pulling on the green jersey and in doing so ensuring vital services and infrastructure across the globe crumbles....👇🏿

In @TheWeekatWork this week we discuss the Apple tax case. Full episode here - open.spotify.com/episode/0PShW0…

Your Sunday listen is here. The Apple case tells us a lot about Irish capitalism. 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/0PShW0…

This week @davegibney & @CMacCaba discuss the ECJ ruling that Ireland is owed €13.8bn from Apple due to illegal state aid. What are the implications for Ireland, and how does this illustrate the nature of the Irish comprodor economic system? 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/0PShW0…

Latest @TheWeekatWork myself and @davegibney discuss the apple case - open.spotify.com/episode/0PShW0…

📢PODCAST ALERT! 📢 "When rioters are out on the street chanting, stop the boats and we want our country back, they're parroting language they've first heard from politicians. It's the oldest trick in the book.. punch down, don't look up." 🔊Listen now: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/trade…

How do we prevent overdoses? How do we rebuild lives, families and our communities? We create spaces for people who have been seen as 'less than' 'not worth it' or 'trouble or a problem' to say what the issues are and how we fix them. Listen to a group who are doing just that #EndOverdoseIRL #IOAD2024 #TogetherWeCan @drugsdotie @HSELive @drugscrisis @sharonlambert0 @ColmBurkeTD

🚨Exclusive 24hr Flash Sale for Patreon Members - 10% Off Scoil Chois Claí Tickets! [Check your emails!] This offer is only valid for the next 24 hours. Not a patreon join here.👇🏿 patreon.com/LeftBloc

SCOIL CHOIS CLAÍ 2024 Lustybeg Island Contae Fear Manach 22-24 November Tickets & Programme available here 19th August #Lustybeg2024

Great message by @officialgaa president Jarlath Burns. 👏 The Irish diaspora exemplifies how cultural exchange enriches societies. Embracing multiculturalism helps us grow stronger and more vibrant together.

🎙️episode 172. This week on The Week at Work @ClareOC_, @Michelle_Byrne_ & @S_O_Nuallain discuss 🟡Northern Ireland & British Elections 🟡Imperialist Labour Party 🟡Gaza Genocide 🟡Garda Violence 🟡Pilot Strikes 🟡Mass evictions from DP Centres & More.. open.spotify.com/episode/24NFTD…

@TheWeekatWork @davegibney @CMacCaba Excelent discussion as always and interesting analysis, very sobering time for the left here in Ireland

This week @davegibney & @CMacCaba take a look at the EU and local elections where they review the performance of the parties, the media campaign and the strategies of the left. They also discuss, where to next... where will "left unity" come from? podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-w…

On this week’s show, Dave, Conor and Michelle discuss: •The Housing Commission Report •The recognition of Palestine •The Dublin 8 Artwork Project •The EU Elections •The real cost of a United Ireland open.spotify.com/episode/3pHyiV…

Listen to "X...is for Xenophobia and the rise of the far right" by @AbcsGreen with @ProfJohnBarry and @S_O_Nuallain podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/john-…

From Free Trinity earlier today. The encampment continues to grow. Support from outside has been immense.All of us in the camp deeply appreciate it. Let's keep the pressure on @tcddublin up - boycott, divest, sanction!