John Bruton
Ceist:8 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with a delegation of Libyan officials. [17565/98]
Ceisteanna — Questions. - Official Engagements.
I had a brief courtesy visit with a delegation of senior Libyan officials on Friday, 24 July. The delegation had been invited by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to visit Ireland and explained that it had taken up the invitation with a view to improving Libya's relations with Ireland and with the European Union, in both political and trade terms.
I took the opportunity to press the delegation to restore the trade link in live cattle which had been beneficial to both our countries in the past. I was pleased to be informed by the delegation that the existing barriers to the live cattle and beef trade between the two countries would be removed following its return to Libya. I am pleased to note that this has now happened. I hope that contracts will be concluded very shortly.
I understand that our Ambassador in Rome who is accredited to Libya is currently in Tripoli with the express intention of making this happen. He will meet senior officials from the Foreign Ministry, relevant officials in the Libyan veterinary service and the Ministry of Animal Wealth and the head of the State Importing Agency, Luhum.
On a more general note, the Libyan delegation expressed the hope that progress on the Lockerbie case could lead to a breakthrough for Libya's international trading.
Is the Taoiseach aware there is serious disappointment in farming circles about the failure in practice to re-open the Libyan market? While it is open in theory, no Irish cattle have been bought and Irish suppliers are being outpriced by Australian suppliers? This is causing a serious income problem for farmers.
It is surprising and upsetting that the matter has not been resolved. The clear signal from the Libyan authorities was that the market would reopen in the third quarter but that has not happened. There has been daily contact for the past ten days or so. Our ambassador, Mr. Small, has been in Libya since Friday or Saturday. I understand it is an internal Government matter. Mr. El-Atrash understood that everything was in order but difficulties arose between him and the Minister for Animal Wealth which have not been resolved. I understand from the Minister for Agriculture and Food that our ambassador is staying on in Libya to try to resolve the matter.
Does the problem concerning Libya not purchasing anticipated supplies of Irish cattle relate to difficulties in regard to regulations, the fact that the Libyans can get better value elsewhere, that is, in Australia, or to the fact that there is an inadequate level of EU export refund attaching to Irish cattle to enable them compete on price in the market? Which of those three factors is at play?
I am not sure but every effort is being made to find out. The problem is not on the EU side. I am concerned that agreement is being finalised with the Australian authorities when it was understood by Irish traders, farmers, the Minister and the delegation that parts of the contracts for this autumn would be filled by the Irish authorities. The delegation did not have all the powers it thought it had.
It does the Taoiseach credit to admit that he is not sure what the reason is, but will he accept that farmers, who find themselves desperate vis-a -vis income, expect him in answering a question of which he has had several days' notice to know the answer to the question why the anticipated purchases have not taken place? Will he find out what the problem is and make a statement on the matter today?
The Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, our Ambassador and I have been trying to conclude the matter for days. The reply is that this is an internal matter. We were told more than a week ago that the problem was not on the Irish side. I communicated that if it would help to resolve the matter, the Minister for Agriculture and Food or the Minister for Foreign Affairs could make contact but it was put to me that there was nothing I could do to resolve it. If there was anything I could do, I would take action.
Has the Taoiseach spoken to anybody in Libya by telephone about this matter?
I have not. The Minister for Agriculture and Food and the Minister for Foreign Affairs have been involved every day for the past week and are reporting to me.
That is disappointing.
Will anyone travel?
We made that offer.