Vol. 422 No. 5
38 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, having regard to his recent discussions with the Iranian Minister for Economic Reconstruction when it is anticipated that Iran will resume buying Irish beef; the estimated tonnage it is expected to take this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
53 Mr. Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when he expects that the sale of Irish beef to Iran will resume on a large scale; and the reasons for the delay in restarting this trade.
I propose taking Questions Nos. 38 and 53 together.
As the Deputy is aware a delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran headed by the Minister for Construction Crusade Mr. Frozash visited Ireland in late November 1991. As a result of the visit, the Islamic Republic of Iran agreed to recommence imports of Irish beef.
Since then senior officials of the Iranian meat purchasing agency have visited Dublin and Irish exporters have visited Tehran with a view to negotiating new contracts.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on these commercial negotiations. However, I can assure the Deputy that I am closely monitoring developments in this regard.
