Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
163. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the impending humanitarian crisis in Cuba and the efforts that they are being undertaken at EU and UN level to avoid a deepening of the food, fuel and medicine shortages facing the island; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23146/26]
View answerThe deteriorating humanitarian situation in Cuba is of serious concern and Ireland echoes the recently expressed deep concern of the UN Secretary General in relation to the escalating crisis.
Ireland has consistently provided humanitarian support to Cuba through our funding of global humanitarian funds, such as the United Nation’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (IFRC DREF). Most recently, following Hurricane Melissa in 2025, the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) allocated €3.3 million for an urgent response. Likewise, the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (IFRC DREF) fund allocated €1 million euro.
Ireland also supports Cuba through funding to the World Food Programme and we have committed €100,000 through the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation to assist Cuba in managing food security.
Likewise, the European Union’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) has earmarked €4 million of funding to the Caribbean, with a particular focus on the humanitarian situation in Cuba in 2026.
Ireland will continue to constructively engage on Cuba related issues at multilateral level, including European Union and UN fora.
