21 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent decision to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba; if ambassadors will be exchanged on a residential basis; the plans, if any, he has to open a diplomatic mission in Cuba; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25513/99]

The Government has decided to accredit to Cuba on a non-residential basis the Irish Ambassador in Mexico. Contacts are under way with the Cuban authorities with a view to making the necessary arrangements. There are no plans for establishing a diplomatic mission in Cuba or for the exchange of ambassadors on a residential basis.