Vol. 536 No. 3
104 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when live exports can resume to countries such as the Lebanon; if other third country markets are possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14014/01]
It has always been my policy to ensure unrestricted access to as many markets as possible for Irish beef and live cattle. Market possibilities are constantly explored and followed up by my Department, in conjunction with An Bord Bia. In the case of Lebanon, the situation is that contact has been ongoing with the authorities there on re-opening the live trade. A proposed veterinary health certificate has now been submitted to the Lebanese authorities which, if acceptable, should open the way for the resumption of this important trade.
As regards trade in live animals within the EU, the situation is that some legal restrictions on exports of live cattle within the EU were lifted on 19 April in respect of Ireland and on 30 April in respect of the 10 km exclusion zone in County Louth. There are other issues relating to the transport of animals through member states and to the specific guarantees required by importing veterinary authorities which remain to be resolved. With regard to livestock exports to third countries and while the import requirements are a matter strictly for the country in question, the situation generally is subject to OIE guidelines. These stipulate, as a minimum, a three month period free of foot and mouth disease before disease free status can be restored. Assuming that no further outbreaks occur in Ireland, we will recover our disease free OIE status on 22 June next.
My Department is in contact with our various markets with a view to the earliest possible resumption of the live trade.
