Vol. 456 No. 7
52 Mr. Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the reason for the delay in taking up the markets available for live cattle in Saudi Arabia; and if his Department will now promote the further expansion of this market. [14388/95]
Following the receipt of a report of significant cattle mortalities during a shipment to Saudi Arabia. I announced last April the temporary suspension of cattle exports to destinations beyond the Mediterranean Sea. To get more information on the conditions encountered, I subsequently authorised two trial shipments of cattle to Saudi Arabia which were both accompanied by veterinary inspectors from my Department. The reports from these inspectors have now been received and are being assessed in order to determine the future policy in relation to cattle exports to destination beyond the Mediterranean. It may be necessary to have further trial shipments before a final decision is taken on this matter.
