Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 396: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will act as a broker in ending the US blockade of Cuba; and if he will use Ireland's international influence in dealing with this case. [6468/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government, in common with our partners in the European Union, believes that the US economic embargo on Cuba seriously hampers the economic development of Cuba and negatively affects all of its people. EU companies account for at least half of all Cuba's foreign trade, and the EU rejects unilateral measures against Cuba which are contrary to commonly accepted rules of international trade. In the United Nations General Assembly, Ireland and our EU partners again voted on 8 November 2005 in favour of the annual Cuban-tabled resolution entitled "Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba".

The EU's policy on Cuba is as set out in the common position agreed on 2 December 1996, during the then Irish Presidency. The General Affairs and External Relations Council reaffirmed the validity of the 1996 common position on Cuba on 13 June 2005. The council's conclusions on Cuba, which were also adopted on 13 June 2005, reiterated that constructive engagement remains the basis of the EU's policy with the ultimate aim being to encourage a process of transition to pluralist democracy in Cuba. Unfortunately, the ongoing large-scale violation of human rights in Cuba and the unacceptable attitude of the Cuban Government towards some resident EU embassies in Havana are a serious impediment to the further development of relations with Cuba.