Foreign Policy

Thursday, 1 October 2026

Questions (56, 60)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

56. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the current situation in Cuba and the Government's position regarding same. [69245/26]

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60. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the Government’s position on the United States's embargo against Cuba; the representations made by Ireland through the European Union, the United Nations and in the most recent bilateral engagements with US officials in the past two months. [69237/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 60 together.

Ireland’s position on the embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba is long-standing and clear. Restricting the flow of basic goods, and particularly fuel, to Cuba heightens the suffering of ordinary Cubans. It is Ireland’s position that the US economic embargo serves no constructive purpose, and has impacted negatively on the people of Cuba.

Ireland has consistently voted for UN resolutions calling for the ending of the embargo at the UN General Assembly. Along with the majority of EU Member States, we most recently voted in favour of this annual UN Resolution when it was debated in October 2025.

Additionally, in July this year, Ireland voted in favour of holding a debate requested by Cuba for the UN General Assembly to hold a new debate on the Cuban embargo.

Ireland has also opposed the inclusion of Cuba on the United States’ list of State Sponsors of Terrorism and the associated measures.

At EU level, in April 2026, the European Commission released an additional €2 million in humanitarian aid to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Cuba. This follows €4 million in EU funding approved as a regional allocation for the Caribbean, which was primarily allocated to the response in Cuba. In 2025, almost €6 million was provided for disaster preparedness and emergency response in Cuba.

My Department maintains ongoing dialogue with US contacts on a range of international issues, including Cuba. We communicate Ireland’s positions on the US embargo, the impact of the embargo and the international response on humanitarian crisis and the importance of maintaining diplomatic engagement.

Ireland reiterates these views in bilateral and multilateral fora, including the European Union and the United Nations, when discussing the issues relating to Cuba.