David Stanton
Question:131 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the amount and value of beef he expects to be exported to Egypt in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25130/01]
Written Answers. - Beef Exports.
My function in relation to beef export markets is to ensure that exporters have unrestricted access to those markets. In the case of Egypt, the recent decision by the authorities there to extend the existing ban but to make exceptions for countries which meet certain conditions in relation to BSE was a recognition of their satisfaction with the manner in which BSE is controlled in Ireland. Given the traditional importance of the market to us, this is a significant boost to the cattle and beef sectors here and follows on an intensive campaign at political, diplomatic and technical levels to have the market re-opened. Competing for contracts is a commercial matter for the exporters involved and it is not possible to speculate as to the amount and value of beef likely to be exported to Egypt over the next 12 months. In 1999 some 157,000 tonnes of beef – worth over £200 million – were exported to Egypt. Naturally, I would hope that trade could very soon reach previously achieved levels.
Question No. 132 answered with Question No. 129.