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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 4

Written Answers. - Diplomatic Staff.

John Perry

Question:

99 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will reassure farmers in the west of Ireland that relocation of diplomatic staff will be handled in a manner that does not adversely affect current efforts to sell live cattle abroad, particularly in the Arab world where relationships have been built up on a personal basis over a long period of time. [20288/98]

I am fully conscious of the needs of the Irish beef industry, including those of the live cattle trade in the countries of the Middle East. The Department of Foreign Affairs and our Embassies accredited to those countries are to the forefront in the Government's actions to develop and protect markets for Irish beef. These Embassies have given the highest priority to defending the reputation of Irish beef, especially in facing the difficulties arising from the BSE crisis. In this, they have worked closely with the Department of Agriculture and Food as well as An Bord Bia.

I can reassure the Deputy and farmers in all parts of Ireland that the staffing needs in the Embassies accredited to the countries of the Middle East are kept under continuous review to ensure that they can support the Irish export effort in the area, including in relation to cattle. This requirement will be to the fore in the consideration of any relocation of diplomatic staff in the Embassies concerned.

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