Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
134. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the position on US sanctions imposed on Cuba in relation to banking operations and how that aligns with current EU policies on those sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21314/23]
View answerIreland, and the EU, believe that the long-standing US economic embargo against Cuba serves no constructive purpose and believe the US unilateral measures against Cuba should be ended. It is our position that the USA’s economic, commercial and financial embargo contributes to the economic crisis in Cuba, negatively affecting the living standards of the Cuban people and resulting in humanitarian consequences.
At the UN level, Ireland, along with our European Union partners, consistently votes in the UN General Assembly in favour of the Resolution which condemns the US embargo, most recently on 3 November 2022. This Resolution has generally mandated, including last year, that the Secretary General compile a report on the implementation of the Resolution, including contributions from Member States. The EU has submitted feedback as part of this process, clearly outlining its position as set out above to the Secretary General.
I wish to assure you that Ireland, alongside our EU partners, will continue to engage with the US authorities on the issues around the embargo.
As you may be aware, the EU has made strong commitments in relation to humanitarian and development funding to Cuba under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument. Indicative allocations for the 2021-2024 period total €91m and focus on ecological transition, economic modernisation and other support measures. Humanitarian funding in response to the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian has also been provided.
In addition, the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) has provided the framework for EU-Cuba relations since 2017 and has allowed for a normalisation in relations. The recent visit of High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell to Cuba last month to represent the EU at the third Joint Council of the PDCA was welcome and demonstrates the EU's policy approach of critical but constructive engagement towards Cuba.
We will continue to engage on these issues with the Embassy of Cuba in Dublin, at EU level, and on the ground both through the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico, which is accredited to Cuba, and the EU Delegation in Havana.
