Kilkenny Community Palestine Solidarity Group is calling for the delivery of the Occupied Territories Bill.
Members are holding a peaceful march today, gathering from 1pm at Kilkenny Castle, using the event to demand urgent government action on the long-promised proposed legislation.
KCPSG Chair Kevin Shore said: “The Government committed to progressing legislation to ban trade with illegal settlements, yet we are still waiting. The pre legislative scrutiny of the bill was supported by the unanimous agreement of the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee in July which explicitly included services. The recently leaked Attorney General’s advice from last year confirms what we already knew: there is no legal barrier preventing this legislation from moving forward.
“This was promised as a priority for September. It is now December. Where is it? The people of Palestine cannot afford further delay, and neither can Ireland’s moral standing.”
KCPSG states that the public’s continued pressure is essential in ensuring the Government fulfils its commitment to implement the bill as originally drafted, including all provisions covering both goods and services from illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Tomorrow (Sunday, 7th December) then, the group will host another gathering at Set Theatre, this time showcasing unique artworks, hand-crafted jewellery – all of which they say would make for ideal, ethical Christmas gifts that not just support local creators but also urgent humanitarian relief.
Kevin adds; “This event offers people the chance to give gifts that truly matter this Christmas supporting families in Gaza who are still suffering daily.”
