Tom Hayes
Question:77 Mr. T. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when he expects the first shipment of beef to be exported to Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30271/01]
Written Answers. - Beef Exports.
On 7 October I announced that the Egyptian Authorities had that day published a decree to extend the existing European wide ban, but in a major development the decree provided for an exemption for countries with BSE controls of the type operated by Ireland. This represented a major breakthrough which prepared the way for the long awaited re-opening of the Egyptian market for Irish beef. Since then, all details requested by the Egyptian authorities have been provided and Egypt has now formally listed Ireland as a country which meets the required criteria for beef imports into Egypt.
The question now of competing for contracts is a commercial matter for the exporters involved and it is not possible at this stage to say what volumes will be exported in 2001. I am, naturally, hopeful that Irish companies will compete to regain the level of market share they enjoyed in recent years in this important market.