Vol. 457 No. 2
36 Ms Keogh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, taken by Ireland to provide humanitarian aid for the Cuban people as was strongly recommended in the European Parliament resolution on the embargo against Cuba in 1993; and if not, the reason this aid has not been given. [15112/95]
In recognition of the economic difficulties which have faced Cuba following the collapse of its major trading partner, the former USSR, Ireland and its partners in the European Union have supplied substantial humanitarian aid to the people of Cuba in recent years. In 1993, in response to concerns expressed by the European Parliament, a total of 5 mecu was provided in humanitarian aid to the Cuban people. This figure rose to 14 mecu in 1994. Together with partners in the EU Ireland decided that given the socio-economic situation in which Cuba finds itself this aid should continue to be provided in 1995, at least, at the same level as in 1994. The EU also supports developmental projects in Cuba organised by non-Governmental agencies. Some 2.5 mecu was supplied for this purpose in 1994.
I took the opportunity of my recent visit to the UN General Assembly to meet my Cuban counterpart and to have a wide-ranging review of the relatons between our two countries. The question of additional assistance to Cuba was not raised by him. He informed me that following several years of economic crisis the Cuban economy was now beginning to show some growth.
I understand that the question of further aid to Cuba was not raised during the recent visit to Ireland by a Cuban Parliamentary delegation.
