Question:
153 Mr. Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the current position in relation to the negotiations on the live cattle trade with third world countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2629/98]
Written Answers. - Live Cattle Trade.
As I explained in the Dáil previously, it has been a priority for me to ensure that the BSE related restrictions on our live cattle trade to Egypt and Libya are removed. I met the Egyptian Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Wally, in Cairo on 28 September. I also met the Minister for Trade and Supply, Dr. Goweily.
Subsequently a detailed proposal for a trial shipment of live cattle to Egypt was submitted to the Egyptian authorities last November and a technical delegation from my Department will travel to Cairo next week to discuss the proposal. Contact is continuing with Libya through a number of channels to seek to have its ban on Irish cattle imports lifted.