Martin to visit Cuba

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin looks set to become the first Irish Government minister to travel to Cuba.

Reports this morning say Mr Martin will undertake an official visit to the communist state in February, as the country marks the 50th anniversary of the revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power.

Earlier this year, the EU formally restored relations with Cuba, while US president-elect Barack Obama has vowed to ease travel restrictions to the island next year.