Derek McDowell
Question:56 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when he expects a resumption of Irish cattle exports to Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17772/00]
Vol. 521 No. 6
56 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when he expects a resumption of Irish cattle exports to Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17772/00]
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, accompanied by senior officials of my Department, visited Libya on 8-9 June last and concluded an agreement with the Libyan authorities which, inter alia, provided for a lifting of the ban on the import of live cattle from Ireland. The agreement provides also that Ireland will be officially listed as a source country for all tenders opened by Libya for the supply of live cattle. This satisfactory outcome was the culmination of sustained diplomatic and political contact with the Libyan authorities.