Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy and I reiterate the Tánaiste's points that we believe this economic embargo serves no constructive purpose. The embargo seriously hampers our own economic activity as well as that of the European Union and any progress that Cuba itself can make. We have consistently supported the annual resolution put forward by Cuba, most recently for the 27th consecutive time. One might argue that obviously has not changed things. However, as a united European Union, we all need to continue to reiterate and consistently support that position at the UN General Assembly and wherever we have an opportunity to raise this concern. Obviously there were conversations most recently with the President of the United States of America. We need to use those channels, our strong relationship with the US, to raise these concerns at every stage we can.

As the Deputy has said, if the embargo is not lifted, there is only so much this overall agreement can do. I think it still allows us to do a considerable amount and creates opportunities for continued dialogue at every level of the Government in terms of human rights and in terms of their own economic activity. We need to use the measures we can. I know the Tánaiste has done so particularly at the foreign affairs committee which he attends regularly.