asked the Minister for Trade, Commerce and Tourism if, in view of the favourable comments on the quality of Irish goods which were made by the Cuban leader, Dr. Castro, during a recent stop-over at Shannon Airport, he will explore the possibilities for the development of trade between Ireland and Cuba.

There has been a significant increase in exports to Cuba in the last three years and I have arranged that Coras Tráchtála will continue to explore the possibility of further increasing them in the years ahead.

Will the Minister give an assurance to the House that trade with Cuba is not in any way inhibited or influenced by the US embargo on trade with that country.

No, it is not a factor. As a matter of fact we will be encouraging continued and extended trade with Cuba.