Vol. 442 No. 1
64 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts, if any, he has made and contacts he has had with the relevant European Union authorities in respect of the provision of further emergency aid to Cuba in the form of medicines, milk powder, cereals, butter and vegetable oil which are in urgent demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The question of emergency aid for Cuba from the European Union is monitored on an ongoing basis by the European Commission, and by myself and my colleagues in the Council of Ministers. As far as humanitarian assistance is concerned, 5.1 million ECU were provided in food aid to the people of Cuba by the European Union in 1993. This was channelled through various nongovernmental organisations. In addition, 7.8 million ECU were provided in the form of nutritional and hygiene products, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. The purpose of this assistance was to combat the spread of infectious diseases and the effects of last November's floods. So far this year, some 3 million ECU have been committed to making good the endemic vitamin B deficiency in the country.
An EU planning mission has recently returned from Cuba. During the course of its visit, detailed discussions were held with the authorities there on the future format and content of European Union assistance to Cuba. Proposals will shortly be submitted by the Commission to the Council, where they will receive careful consideration.
