Harris hoping to inspire other countries as Government agrees draft of Occupied Territories Bill

There has been some criticism of the reworked Occupied Territories Bill as it does not include services

Simon Harris said: 'What I hope today is when this small country in Europe makes the decision and becomes one of the first countries, and probably the first country, in the western world to consider legislation in this space, I do hope it inspires other European countries to join us.' Photo: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

The Government has agreed the drafting of legislation which will make Ireland the first country in the EU to curtail trade with Israel.

The reworked Occupied Territories Bill will make it illegal to import goods which originate in illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land. While Ireland does little trade with these settlements, Tánaiste Simon Harris who brought the bill said it is an important symbolic effort in the face of Israel's ongoing bombardment of Gaza.