Question:
112 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the measures he is taking to ensure that the live cattle trade to Libya is reopened without undue delay. [10996/00]
Written Answers. - Live Exports.
In spite of an agreement in relation to live cattle exports signed with Libya in July 1998, there has been a delay on the part of the Libyan authorities in putting it into effect. This delay has been a matter of serious concern both to myself and the Government. Ongoing contact has been maintained with the Libyan authorities, through every appropriate channel, with a view to ensuring that the agreement is implemented in practice. I visited Libya in August last year, which in turn was followed by correspondence from the Taoiseach to the Libyan Leader. In November 1999, I wrote again to the Libyan Minister for Animal Wealth in this matter. The Irish ambassador to Italy, who is also accredited to Libya, visited Libya last month to raise the question of the live cattle trade. The Taoiseach raised the matter again in a meeting with the Libyan leader at the recent Africa Europe Conference in Cairo.
Therefore, every possible avenue is being pursued to ensure that the agreement of July 1998 is fully implemented in a way that allows the resumption of cattle exports to Libya at the earliest possible date.