Foreign Policy

Thursday, 26 March 2026

Ceisteanna (97, 101, 126, 141)

Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh

Ceist:

97. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her position on the situation in Cuba; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22526/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

101. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if there has been any diplomatic engagement with Cuba in regard to the US administration’s threats to invade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22635/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

126. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she will use her diplomatic influence to press for the immediate lifting of the US blockade of Cuba to ensure the free flow of fuel, medicines and essential supplies to the Cuban people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22978/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

141. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the humanitarian crisis in Cuba; whether the Government believe that the blockade of Cuba needs to be ended; the efforts being made by the Government to alleviate the crisis; the efforts being made to ensure humanitarian aid is provided to Cuba; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23097/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I propose to take Questions Nos. 97, 101, 126 and 141 together.

Ireland engages with Cuba through a range of diplomatic channels, including via the Cuban Embassy in Dublin and through our Embassy in Mexico, which is accredited to Cuba. DFAT officials have regular discussions with the Ambassador of Cuba to Ireland on the current situation in the country, including in respect of the humanitarian situation.

Ireland has consistently called for the US embargo to Cuba to be lifted and has supported successive United Nations resolutions calling for its end, most recently last October at the UN General Assembly. Our position is long-standing; we consider that the embargo serves no constructive purpose, and has resulted in significant negative impacts for the Cuban people over many years.

We have also long called for democratisation and political transition in Cuba. The Cuban government imposes severe restrictions on the fundamental rights of Cuban citizens, including freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. However, the only way to achieve this is through dialogue and engagement.

Ireland will continue to constructively engage on Cuba related issues at multilateral level, including European Union and UN fora.

We are also monitoring the humanitarian situation in Cuba. We share the recently expressed deep concern of the UN Secretary General in relation to the deteriorating situation. Ireland provides humanitarian support to Cuba through our funding of global humanitarian funds, including 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).

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.