Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 1

Written Answers. - Live Cattle Exports.

Paul McGrath

Question:

68 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the efforts, if any, made by him since becoming Minister to reopen the live export cattle trade with Egypt; the extent and type of communication, if any, he has had with his opposite number in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22559/97]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

As I explained in the Dáil debate on 8 October last, it has been a priority for me to ensure that the BSE related restrictions on our live cattle trade to Egypt are removed. A commitment in principle to reopen the market for Irish cattle was communicated on 4 June to my predecessor, subject to agreement on a number of conditions. Discussions at technical level in relation to these conditions followed but final agreement on reopening the market was delayed due to increased concerns in Egypt relating to food imports generally. In view of this I contacted the Egyptian Deputy Premier and Minister for Agriculture Dr. Wally and met him in Cairo on 28 September. I also met the Minister for Trade and Supply Dr. Goweily.

As a result of my meetings, the Egyptian authorities agreed to consider accepting a trial shipment of live cattle from Ireland. The formulation of a proposal which would allay the concerns of the Egyptian authorities, necessitated a veterinary and engineering assessment of quarantine and slaughtering facilities in Egypt. This way completed in early November and a detailed proposal, drawn up by my Department in conjunction with the Irish Livestock Exporters Association was forwarded by me to Dr. Wally on 20 November. This proposal is now being considered by the Egyptian authorities and pending a response further political intervention is not appropriate at this stage.