It is a priority for me to ensure that the current BSE related restrictions on our exports of live cattle to Egypt are removed. Egypt has been an important market for live cattle which has been closed to imports from Ireland since the beginning of January 1997. A commitment in principle to reopen the market for Irish cattle was communicated on 4 June to my predecessor, subject to agreement on a number of conditions. In the first instance therefore, discussions at a technical level on these conditions were necessary. These culminated in the visit of two delegations from my Department to Egypt in August. Many of the veterinary requirements for the resumption of trade were agreed and a package of proposals was offered including assistance for the removal of specified risk material. The latter was of importance in terms of allowing the Egyptian authorities to provide the same type of guarantees as available to European consumers.
Final agreement on reopening the market was delayed due to increasing concerns in Egypt relating to food imports generally. In view of this I contacted the Egyptian Deputy Premier and Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Wally and met him in Cairo on 28 September. I also met the Minister for Trade and Supply, Dr. Goweily. As a result of my meetings, the Egyptian Authorities agreed to consider accepting a trial shipment of live cattle. A detailed proposal for such a shipment is at present being formulated by my Department in conjunction with the Live Cattle Exporters Association for consideration by the Egyptian authorities. I would hope that a trial shipment, properly controlled, will convince the Egyptian authorities to reopen the market fully to Irish cattle imports.