The Government's proposed law to restrict trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories could be completed before the summer, according to Tanaiste Simon Harris. The legislation, based on the 2018 Occupied Territories Bill, is listed as a priority in the spring legislative programme and has already undergone pre-legislative scrutiny.

Harris said the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee, has been working extensively on the Bill and has sought detailed legal advice from the attorney general, including further follow-up questions. While a specific timeline has not been confirmed, he said it could be finalised before the summer.

Concerns have been raised that the legislation may apply only to goods and not services linked to illegal settlements, as extending the ban to services presents greater legal complexity. Harris reiterated that despite recent focus on consular assistance and responding to the situation in the Gulf, the Government remains committed to advancing the Bill.