Liam Hyland
Question:217 Mr. Hyland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of political contacts with the Iranian Government following the visit to Ireland of Iranian veterinary officials in view of the importance of beef exports from Ireland to third country markets, and in view of the progress made by other EU countries in negotiating Protocols for beef exports to Iran; the requirements of the Iranian Government in relation to the reopening of the market for Irish beef; the efforts, if any, which have made by him to comply with these requirements; the current position on agreeing a Protocol for beef export to Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[11233/97]