John Brady
Question:33. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures Ireland is prepared to take at the United Nations to support a lifting of the 60-year-old illegal blockade of the island of Cuba. [47096/21]
View answerThursday, 30 September 2021
Questions (33)
Written answers
I consider that the US's long-standing economic embargo serves no constructive purpose and that its lifting would facilitate an opening of Cuba’s economy to the benefit of its people. Ireland, along with our EU partners, has been a consistent supporter of the annual Resolution put forward by Cuba at the UN General Assembly regarding the US economic blockade, and Ireland again voted in favour of this Resolution at the General Assembly on 23 June last.
Officials in my Department closely follow developments relating to the 1996 Helms-Burton Act, which, as the Deputy is aware, is a US federal law that strengthens and continues the economic embargo against Cuba. I was concerned by the decision taken in 2019 by the previous US Administration to suspend waivers for Title III of the Act, which had protected European persons and entities from its extra-territorial elements. Together with our EU partners, Ireland has firmly and continuously opposed extra-territorial measures that seek to extend the US embargo against Cuba to third countries, as contrary to commonly accepted rules of international trade.
I also regret the inclusion of Cuba on the list of State-sponsors of terrorism by the previous US Administration and I support the statement made by EU HR/VP Josep Borrell in January 2021, noting the negative impact of this decision on foreign direct investment in Cuba, further aggravating the difficult situation of the Cuban people in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The situation in Cuba has not been discussed at the UN Security Council in some time; however, should this issue be brought to the Council agenda during our term on the Council, Ireland will actively engage, in line with our long-standing position.
Ireland will continue to support the lifting of the US embargo on Cuba and my officials, including at the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico which covers Cuba, will continue to monitor the situation closely, in cooperation with our EU partners.