Paul Connaughton
Ceist:118 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason the export market for live cattle to Libya has not reopened as announced by the Government earlier in 1998. [26153/98]
Written Answers - Live Exports.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:122 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the agreement, if any, with the Libyan authorities for the reopening of the live cattle market; if that agreement included all veterinary matters; and if a veterinary or political issue is preventing a resumption of this important trade. [26158/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 122 together.
Agreement was reached with a Libyan Government delegation in July last providing for the reopening of the Libyan market for Irish cattle and beef on the basis of agreed veterinary health conditions and terms of contracts. This agreement was the culmination of extensive contacts with the Libyan authorities since early 1997. The Libyan Government, through the General Peoples Committee, formally cleared the agreement before the end of September and written confirmation to this effect was received. Although the Libyan authorities indicated their wish to have the agreement implemented immediately, there have been delays in the conclusion of contracts for Irish cattle. In order to establish the reasons for these delays, which were of concern both to myself and the Government, our ambassador in Rome, who is accredited to Libya, visited Tripoli again in mid-October. The ambassador was assured that there was no political blockage to the agreement and that it was now a matter for the Irish exporters to pursue contracts with the purchasing agency in Libya. Ongoing contact is being maintained with the Libyan authorities through every possible channel with a view to ensuring that the July agreement is implemented in practice. My position is that an official agreement has been reached with the Libyan authorities and that it should be honoured.