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, and the Minister for Trade and Supply, Dr. Goweily, in Cairo in September 1997. Subsequently a detailed proposal for a trial shipment of live cattle to Egypt was submitted to the Egyptian authorities in November. No response has been received to date and a technical delegation from my Department will travel to Cairo next week to have further discussions on the proposal. Contact is continuing with Libya through a number of channels to seek to have its ban on Irish cattle imports lifted.