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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 5

Written Answers. - Ministerial Travel.

Rory O'Hanlon

Ceist:

321 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the countries he visited outside the EU to promote the market for Irish beef in 1995 and 1996. [9869/97]

Over the past two years I have led delegations to Libya and Russia to promote Irish cattle and beef. In addition my officials have been actively involved in missions to Russia, Egypt, Libya, Iran and the Gulf States. I have also met visiting delegations from these countries and I have been in direct contact with the Ministers in a number of these countries.

In recent weeks I received a technical delegation from Libya who were in Ireland to observe our controls at first hand. I understand that they were impressed with the measures we have in place and will be making a favourable report to the authorities in Tripoli. I have written to my opposite number in Libya to impress upon him the need for an early and favourable decision.

As regards Egypt, I plan to use the occasion of the forthcoming Cairo Food Fair to continue efforts to have the live cattle market re-opened.

On Iran, technical discussions are continuing with a view to agreeing an acceptable veterinary Protocol.

In so far as Russia is concerned, beef exports to this market are continuing at significant levels and further discussions are evisaged with the Russian authorities in the near future in order to have the restrictions reviewed.

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