Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am anxious to do that as quickly as we can. I have committed in this answer to have it done before the end of the year. There are only a few weeks left before we break up for the summer. I understand that legal advice is required on this before I can bring a recommendation to Government. I assure the Deputy that I am anxious to do that as quickly as possible. The Government sees the improving and positive relationship with Cuba as something on which we want to build and we do not want to be seen to be one of the European countries that is delaying the full implementation of the potential of the agreement between the EU and Cuba. I want to make sure that does not happen but I also need to go through the proper legal procedures that must be undertaken to ratify it. I am happy to keep the Deputy up to date personally, given the role he plays in the bilateral relationship, and maybe I can get him a more detailed answer in terms of a date as early as possible after the summer.

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