Willie Penrose
Ceist:49 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had recent communications with Libyan officials regarding the resumption of beef trade with Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4439/99]
Written Answers. - Beef Exports.
I maintain regular contact with Libya through the Ambassador to Libya, who is resident in Rome. I was happy to meet the leaders of the Libyan delegation when they visited Dublin in July 1998 for consultations at the Department of Foreign Affairs. Deputies will recall that agreement was reached between the two governments on that occasion that cattle and beef from Ireland would have access to the Libyan market by the end of September.
Unfortunately, no shipments of cattle to Libya took place in 1998, and I understand that the State purchasing agency in Libya has not yet been authorised to enter into contracts for the purchase of cattle or beef from Ireland. I have been assured that the Libyan Government is most anxious to see the July agreement implemented, and I have written to the Libyan Foreign Minister expressing my disappointment at the lack of progress in this regard. I will continue contacts with the Libyan authorities in order to ensure that the agreement is fully implemented.