Dick Spring
Question:67 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position on the reopening of live cattle trade in Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27859/98]
Written Answers. - Live Exports.
Agreement was reached with a Libyan Government delegation in July last providing for the reopening of the Libyan market for Irish cattle and beef on the basis of agreed veterinary health conditions and terms of contracts. This agreement was the culmination of extensive contacts with the Libyan authorities since early 1997. The Libyan Government, through the General People's Committee, formally cleared the agreement before the end of September and written confirmation to this effect was received. Although the Libyan authorities indicated their wish to have the agreement implemented immediately, there have been delays in the conclusion of contracts for Irish cattle. In order to establish the reasons for these delays, which were of concern both to myself and the Government, our Ambassador in Rome, who is accredited to Libya, visited Tripoli again in mid-October. The Ambassador was assured that there was no political blockage to the agreement and that it was now a matter for the Irish exporters to pursue contracts with the purchasing agency in Libyan. Ongoing contact is being maintained with the Libyan authorities through every possible channel with a view to ensuring that the July agreement, which was accepted by the authorities in both countries, is fully honoured and implemented in practice.