I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.
As I explained in the Dáil debate on 8 October last, it has been a priority for me to ensure that the BSE related restrictions on our live cattle trade to Egypt are removed. 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. Discussions at technical level were necessary in relation to these conditions. Veterinary delegations from Ireland visited on two occasions in August and the Ambassador in Cairo remained in constant contact with the Egyptian authorities. Final agreement on reopening the market was delayed, however, due to increased 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 from Ireland. The formulation of a proposal which would allay the concerns of the Egyptian authorities necessitated a detailed veterinary and engineering assessment of quarantine and slaughtering facilities in Egypt. This was completed in early November and a comprehensive proposal, drawn up by my Department in conjunction with the Irish Livestock Exporters' Association was forwarded by me to Dr. Wally on 20 November. This proposal is now being considered by the Egyptian authorities and I am keeping in close contact with developments.
As regards Libya, contact continues to be maintained at diplomatic and political level to have the ban on cattle imports, imposed in March 1996, lifted. A technical delegation from Libya visited this country earlier in the year and shortly after returning to office, I wrote to my Libyan counterpart to emphasise the control measures in place in Ireland. The Minister of State, Deputy O'Keeffe, met the Libyan Minister for Agriculture in Rome in November and discussed lifting the ban. I have also made clear that I am prepared to travel to Libya as soon as appropriate arrangements can be made. I will continue to avail of every opportunity to seek to have the ban lifted.
As far as cattle prices are concerned, I am fully aware of recent developments. The decline in prices is due in large measure to the protest action by UK farmers and the adverse effect of the UK announcement in relation to BSE and bone-in beef. In the short-term, the decision of the beef management committee on 12 December to accept 2,330 tonnes of Irish beef into intervention up to 16 January will help to stabilise the market. Some 7,000 steers will be required to meet this tender at prices ranging between 83 pence and 87 pence per pound. I will continue to press the EU Commission to have effective and flexible intervention in place for the spring period.
As regards the UK market difficulties, every effort has been made by the Taoiseach, other Government Ministers and myself to ensure unimpeded access for Irish beef to its market destination. In response, the UK authorities have taken firmer action and the position has improved to the extent that the protests are not preventing access to the market for Irish beef.