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

I hope the Deputy is not suggesting the EU is not trying to find a way forward because I believe it is. From an Irish perspective, we are not currently aware of any Irish entities or individuals being affected by the changes to the Helms-Burton Act. There is an EU blocking statute which prohibits the compliance with any US court judgments relating to Title III or IV or the Helms-Burton Act and allows EU companies sued in the US to recover any damage through legal proceedings against US claimants before EU courts. This is a protective measure which applies to Irish entities and individuals. I fully accept the Deputy's point that while there may be some legal protections and legal recourse if an Irish or EU company is subject to this Act, it certainly has the impact of discouraging trade and engagement with the Cuban economy, which is damaging. The EU will continue to do what is in its powers to facilitate that trade. It will also seek to speak directly to the US to try to change its mind on the broad approach towards Cuba.

See this speech in context