We reproduce below the statements of the Sinn Féin spokesperson regarding the declaration of orange status by the Irish government in relation to travel to Cuba.
19 February 2026
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD, has said the government must match its updated travel advice on Cuba with a clear and unequivocal restatement of Ireland’s long-standing opposition to the United States blockade of the island.
Ireland has repeatedly voted at the United Nations to condemn the embargo as unjust and harmful to ordinary Cuban citizens.
Deputy Ó Laoghaire said that, in that context, it is essential that any public communication about deteriorating conditions in Cuba acknowledges the political and economic pressures that have contributed directly to those conditions.
Teachta Ó Laoghaire said:
“The safety and welfare of Irish citizens abroad must always be paramount. However, if the government is advising against non-essential travel to Cuba because of fuel shortages, blackouts or economic disruption, it must also be honest about why those conditions exist.
“The severe hardship facing the Cuban people does not arise in isolation. It is driven by the decades-long US blockade, which continues to restrict fuel supplies, financial transactions and international trade.
“Ireland has consistently voted at the United Nations to oppose that blockade. That principled position should not fall silent when issuing travel advice.
“It is not enough to warn Irish citizens about the symptoms while remaining quiet on the cause. If conditions are serious enough to justify a travel advisory, the government should be equally forthright in criticising the policies that have contributed directly to those conditions.
“The Cuban people should not be further isolated. Ireland must stand by its stated opposition to economic strangulation and make that position clear.”