Vol. 457 No. 7
298 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his Department has finalised its discussions with the Turkish authorities regarding the health status of live cattle exports and beef products to Turkey. [16079/95]
The position is that agreement has been reached with the Turkish authorities regarding the necessary health certificates to accompany exports of bovine meat — bone-in and deboned — to Turkey. However, the details in regard to a health certificate for live cattle have not yet been finalised. Discussions are continuing on that issue.
299 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his Department has completed its assessment of its policy regarding the export of live cattle to Saudi Arabia; and if he will give permission for the recommencement of such exports. [16080/95]
Following the suspension of cattle exports to destinations beyond the Mediterranean Sea last April, I authorised two trial shipments of cattle to Saudi Arabia which were both accompanied by veterinary inspectors from my Department. The inspectors' reports gave rise to some concerns, in particular, in regard to the duration of journeys to this destination, potential delays in unloading cattle on arrival, the type of cattle that are suitable for such journeys and the high temperatures and humidity experienced at certain times of the year. Before reaching a definitive conclusion on this destination, however, I propose to authorise two further trial shipments to Saudi Arabia. The approval will be confined to boats more than 90 metres in length, which can reach Saudi Arabia within ten days and which have low stocking densities. A final decision will not be taken on this destination until the experience from these trips has been assessed.
