Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2012
565. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he expects that the live exports of cattle to Libya will commence; the steps that he has taken to facilitate this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46345/12]
View answerAgreement has already been reached with the Libyan authorities to the opening of their market to male cattle under twenty four months from Ireland, while my Department continue to work closely with the Libyan veterinary authorities to have this age limit increased to thirty months. The development of overseas markets is primarily a commercial matter for exporters and while no boats are currently approved for such export, I am aware that there have been a number of enquiries in respect of the approval process. There is also a possibility that some overland transport may commence soon – via truck to South of France and boat from there to Libya.
