Vol. 468 No. 4
62 Mr. Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the non-EU countries, if any, he has visited since 20 March 1996, to promote Irish beef; the dates of such visits; the number and position of the officials who accompanied him; the plans, if any, he has for such visits in the future; if so, the dates of such future visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16116/96]
In the period in question I have made three journeys to countries outside the EU: (i) to Argentina, Chile and Bolivia, 10-15 April; (ii) to the United States, accompanying the President on her state visit, 13-14 June; (iii) to Indonesia 23-25 July. While none of these visits was undertaken primarily for trade promotion purposes, I availed of such opportunities as presented themselves to lend my support to Irish exporters, especially during my visit to South America where, for example, I discussed restrictions on Irish dairy products with my Peruvian counterpart.
In the countries which import Irish beef and cattle, mainly in the Middle East and Russia, I have maintained contact with the authorities either directly or through the Ambassadors on the spot, who keep me informed in detail of developments which affect our exports and who accord the highest priority to ensuring access for Irish products to these important markets.
