Vol. 519 No. 4
29 Ms Coughlan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the nature of his recent discussions with the Egyptian authorities; the outcome of the discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13758/00]
In the course of my recent visit to the Cairo Food Fair, I availed of the opportunity to meet both the Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Youseff Waly, and the Minister for Economy and Foreign Trade, Dr. Youseff Boutros-Ghali. The discussions centred on the ongoing trade between Ireland and Egypt, particularly Irish exports of beef and the potential to increase and develop the already excellent relationship between the two countries. In the course of my visit I also raised the question of the re-opening of the live cattle trade with Egypt and stressed the importance of this trade for Ireland which in 1995 accounted for some 174,000 live cattle exports.
Egypt has become Ireland's largest market in the world for beef. Exports to Egypt increased from 38,000 tonnes in 1996 to approximately 150,000 tonnes last year amounting to 450,000 head in terms of live cattle equivalents. Exports were worth £220 million. Ireland also supplies dairy products to Egypt and there is considerable potential for this trade to increase also. I am determined that this significant trade with Egypt should be maintained and am pleased to report the continued high level of satisfaction on the part of the Egyptian authorities with the safety and quality standards of Irish food. Overall, the discussions with both Ministers were conducted in an extremely positive atmosphere.
