Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister's positive comments on Cuba. The continuation of the relic that is the Cold War has had a detrimental effect on the Cuban people. President Obama has acknowledged the harm that has been done and been progressive about other aspects. The US Congress is the stumbling block. It has made time for legislation to continue the sanctions but not for the Congress men and women who want the blockade ended. I ask that Ireland, whatever opportunities it has, in discussions with the United State acts as a voice for Cuba and indicates its support for the lifting of the blockade. As we know, 98% of UN countries will vote to have the blockade lifted yet it continues.

I welcome what the Minister said about Ireland's commitment to a 0.7% overseas development aid target. I also acknowledge Ireland's role in the sustainable development goals. Has there been any more done with them? At a recent AWEPA event Mr. Michael O'Brien from Trócaire was in attendance. On that occasion it was suggested that we arrange an Oireachtas debate, for which I would like the Minister's support, on how Ireland can progress the sustainable development goals because there are issues about financing them. Ireland, in its policy document entitled One Work, One Future, has committed to a biennial report on policy coherence. We need to follow through on that commitment so that we can see the effect policy coherence has on trade agreements.

In respect of the Middle East and Palestine, we talk about peace and there are talks about peace but settlements continue to be built. Can there be a strong voice that at the very least the settlement building stops while we move towards peace?

In terms of Syria, we need to do more at a diplomatic level, not just with Russia and Iran. We know the role that they have played but there are other countries involved in the bombing, including the United States. They all have to be brought to task if there is to be a ceasefire and a lasting peace.