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

There have been 50 years of a rather unjust policy between the United States and Cuba. We saw this in the case of the blockade. I understand only three or four countries in the United Nations disagree with lifting the blockade. The aim of the ZunZuneo programme was to destabilise the government and economy of Cuba.

The Cuban five, or Miami five, were arrested in 1998. This arose out of very serious movements by Cuban-Americans to destabilise the Cuban Government and economy, which led to the deaths of approximately 3,500 Cuban nationals. The Cuban Government took the option of getting five of their men to infiltrate these terrorist organisations in America. They got the information and brought it directly to the American authorities who, instead of arresting those involved in terrorist activities, arrested these five men. After a lengthy trial they received prison terms of 15 years to double life. There were severe restrictions on visiting rights for their wives, and visa requests for visits by family members were also restricted.

I accept what the Minister of State said about the relationship, but as we do have a good relationship with the American authorities, can we address them on this when we have the opportunity? There is an opportunity now for President Obama to give a pardon in his final year, but he will not unless people with whom he has a relationship ask him to do so.

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