Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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45. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on trade, tourism and business transactions with Cuba; current policy on the blockade of Cuba; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30307/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Ireland's positive links with Cuba have grown steadily, in particular since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries in 1999. In 2013, bilateral trade in goods with Cuba reached €1.35 million, an increase from the figure of €1.2 million in 2012. In keeping with our interest in relations with Cuba developing across various areas, the Ambassador of Ireland to Mexico, who is also accredited to Cuba, visited Cuba earlier this year and a further visit to Cuba was made by an Embassy official last month. Their meetings included contacts with Cuban Ministries on various trade and economic issues of mutual interest.

The EU is Cuba's second most important trading partner, accounting for 20% of total Cuban trade. The EU is also Cuba's biggest external investor and approximately one third of all tourists visiting the island every year come from countries of the European Union. I am pleased that on 29 April last, the EU and Cuba began negotiations on a Political Dialogue and Co-operation Agreement. Such an agreement will strengthen the EU-Cuba relationship and provide an improved framework for political dialogue, economic relations and cooperation in the period ahead.

With regard to the US embargo of Cuba, Ireland and the other member states of the European Union are firmly of the view that the lifting of the embargo would facilitate an opening of the Cuban economy to the benefit of the Cuban people. Our concerns about economic, commercial and financial measures against Cuba which are contrary to commonly accepted rules of international trade are long-standing and clear. We object to unilaterally imposed measures that impede the economic and commercial relations of EU member states with Cuba. Accordingly Ireland, and other EU member states, support resolutions at the UN General Assembly that express opposition to the embargo, most recently on 29 October 2013.

We will continue to work with Cuba to strengthen relations between our countries.