Vol. 509 No. 4
194 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the progress, if any, made regarding live exports to Libya; and if he will ensure that all impediments to the weanling trade to continental Europe are resolved. [20777/99]
As the Deputy will be aware, agreement was reached with a Libyan Government delegation in July 1998 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 of that year and written confirmation to this effect was received.
Despite the agreement, there has been a delay on the part of the Libyan authorities in putting it into effect in relation to live cattle exports. This delay is of serious concern both to myself and the Government. Ongoing contact is being maintained with the Libyan authorities, through every appropriate channel, with a view to ensuring the agreement is implemented in practice. I visited Lybia in August and there has been correspondence from the Taoiseach to the Libyan leader since then.
While a recent Irish bid for the supply of live cattle to Libya unfortunately was unsuccessful, I remain hopeful that the Libyan agreement will be honoured in full and will continue to take every appropriate measure to ensure this outcome.
I am satisfied that there are no impediments to the export of weanlings from this country. Exports of live cattle are up by 167 per cent this year on last year, that is, 198,688 as against 112,070 for the same period last year. The vast bulk of these exports relate to calves and weanlings shipped to continental Europe.
