Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

245. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the most recent development in relations between the USA and Cuba following the statement from President Trump; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30899/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the recent statement by President Trump on certain planned changes to United States policy towards Cuba. The full details will become clearer when new regulations relating to the changes are published. However I note the commitment to maintain diplomatic relations and continue operating the US embassy in Havana.

Ireland has consistently made clear that it supports the ending of the US embargo on Cuba. In October 2016, as in previous years, Ireland joined all other European Union Member States in voting in favour of the annual Cuban resolution at the UN General Assembly in New York, calling for an end to the embargo.

I look forward to continued positive developments in the Ireland-Cuba bilateral relationship on foot of the recent successful visit of President Higgins to the island, during which a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Cuba and the Government of Ireland was signed. I am also encouraged by recent good progress in EU-Cuba relations, including the signature in December 2016 of the EU-Cuba Political Development and Cooperation Agreement.