Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We are very good at creating links with Africa. Reference was made to Vietnam and such countries. We can see the economic trend and turnaround taking place in Cuba. We are very good at agriculture and have an excellent basis on which to work with Cuba through the Irish tourism board. Cuban tourism is going to boom out of all proportion. We might consider direct air links, perhaps via Shannon or Dublin, to Cuba. Perhaps we could talk to Cuban airlines and develop the relationship. Now is the time, before the Americans run away with all the business contacts. They will inevitably exploit the opportunities.