John Bruton
Question:21 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with a delegation of Libyan officials. [17565/98]
Written Answers. - Official Engagements.
I had a brief courtesy visit with a delegation of senior Libyan officials on Friday, 24 July. The delegation had been invited by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to visit Ireland and explained that it had taken up the invitation with a view to improving Libya's relations with Ireland and with the European Union, in both political and trade terms.
I took the opportunity to press the delegation to restore the trade in live cattle which had been beneficial to both our countries in the past. I was pleased to be informed by the delegation that the existing barriers to the live cattle and beef trade between the two countries would be removed following its return to Libya. I am pleased to note that this has now happened. The delegation also indicated that it expected a doubling of trade between Ireland and Libya in the medium-term.
It expressed the hope that progress on the Lockerbie case could lead to a breakthrough for Libya's international standing.