Ireland to Explore Legislative Path for Trade Ban with Israeli Settlements

Tánaiste Micheál Martin is set to brief the Cabinet on the Occupied Territories Bill, aimed at prohibiting trade between Ireland and Israeli settlements deemed illegal by the international community.

Seeking a Legal Framework

Influenced by recent advice from the Attorney General, Martin is expected to request Cabinet approval for a review focused on establishing a compliant “legal pathway forward” for the legislation. This review will necessitate adherence to both the Irish Constitution and EU law.

The Tánaiste sees the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) Advisory Opinion, which concluded that Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) is unlawful, as a potential avenue for progress. While international trade falls under the EU’s jurisdiction, the ICJ’s stance provides a new dimension to this complex issue.

If approved by the Cabinet, the review will leverage the Attorney General’s insights to determine the most suitable approach, ensuring compliance with both EU law and the Irish Constitution. A subsequent memo outlining the next steps is anticipated, though a specific timeline remains unclear.

ICJ Opinion and International Action

The ICJ Advisory Opinion emphasizes the duty of all states to refrain from engaging in trade or providing any assistance to the settlements. Ireland actively participated in this process, co-sponsoring a UN General Assembly resolution on September 18, 2024, which aims to implement the ICJ’s advisory opinion.

This resolution outlines the obligations stemming from Israel’s unlawful presence in the OPT, encompassing trade restrictions applied to all states and international organizations.

Luas Finglas Expansion: A Transit Boost for North Dublin

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan seeks Cabinet approval for the Luas Finglas project, a potential metro extension that could be operational by 2031. This expansion aims to connect the existing Green Line at Broombridge in Cabra to four new stops: St. Helena’s, Finglas Village, St. Margaret’s Road, and Charlestown.

Servicing an estimated 60,000 residents, the nearly 4-kilometer line will primarily operate off-road, separated from traffic, with proximity to areas slated for new transport-oriented development. This could facilitate the construction of approximately 10,000 new homes.

Once approved, Transport Infrastructure Ireland can submit a planning application to An Bord Pleanála. The journey from Charlestown (the furthest station) to College Green would take approximately 30 minutes, a significant reduction of 17 minutes compared to driving in the morning rush hour. It’s projected that the new line will divert 440,000 private car journeys away from the route annually.

Progress in Reducing Spinal Surgery Wait Times

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly confirms anticipated reductions in spinal surgery waiting lists for paediatric patients. According to data scheduled for Cabinet consideration today, the number of children on the active waiting list for longer than four months is projected to decline to 20 by year-end, a sharp contrast to the 86 patients at the beginning of this year.

Despite an increase in additions to the list due to a rise in outpatient clinic attendance, significant strides have been made in reducing surgical waiting times. A range of initiatives is underway to address the backlog. These include offering treatment options abroad at renowned institutions such as Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital in New York, Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, and Portland Hospital UK.

Twenty children are confirmed for overseas treatment as of September 2024, with some already undergoing surgeries. Those traveling receive comprehensive support packages, including business-class flights, accommodation, travel insurance, and funding for expenses. A second adult can also accompany the child.

Four children’s hospitals in the Greater Dublin Area, along with the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh, are projected to perform 557 procedures in 2024, a 93-procedure increase from 2023. Furthermore, a significant increase in outpatient consultations has been observed, with 335 patients scheduled across seven clinics since April 2024, in addition to patients attending existing clinics.

Minister Donnelly intends to emphasize to his Cabinet colleagues, that while progress is being made, some children continue to experience unreasonable waiting times. However, any child on the active waitlist exceeding four months post-Christmas who meets clinical suitability criteria will be offered overseas surgical intervention.