Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 2

Written Answers. - Beef Exports.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

350 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the position regarding the opening of the Libyan market for live cattle exports; and the proposals he has to open the Egyptian market for carcase and processed beef exports on 6 October 2001. [22468/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh):

An agreement signed with Libya in June of last year provided that Ireland would be officially listed as a source country for all Libyan tenders for the supply of live cattle. Since then, however, the Libyan Foreign Minister indicated that it had not been possible to import live cattle because of what he called logistical problems and that Libya would buy beef directly. Libya subsequently issued tenders for the supply of beef and Ireland was included in the list of countries invited to tender. I understand that a number of Irish companies submitted bids at that time. Efforts at diplomatic and technical level are continuing to ensure that the agreement – in so far as it relates to cattle exports – signed with Libya last year is fully implemented.

With regard to the Egyptian market, the position is that since the ban was imposed late last year, ongoing contact with the Egyptian authorities has been maintained at political, diplomatic and technical levels. Arising from these contacts, a delegation headed by the Egyptian chief veterinary officer visited Ireland in August to review the situation here. The Egyptian authorities are currently considering the report of their delegation's visit. Intensive political, diplomatic and technical contact is ongoing with the Egyptian side with a view to achieving the earliest possible reopening of this important market.