Proinsias De Rossa
Ceist:48 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress, if any, made in relation to the re-opening of the markets to Libya and Iran; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5264/99]
Written Answers. - Beef Exports.
Agreement was reached with a Libyan Government delegation last July providing for the re-opening 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. These delays are of serious concern both to myself and the Government. 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. Our position is that an official agreement has been reached with the Libyan authorities and that it should be honoured.
As regards Iran, I am pleased to say that a veterinary protocol was signed in Dublin on 29 October 1998 setting out detailed arrangements for the immediate resumption of the export of beef to Iran. The successful conclusion of this protocol followed a week long visit here by a veterinary delegation from Iran and the decision in principle by Iran to re-open its market to Irish beef which I had negotiated in Tehran two weeks previously. Since then the Minister for Foreign Affairs co-chaired the third session of the Ireland/Iran Joint Economic Commission in Tehran in late January and the veterinary protocol was embodied in the agreed memorandum of understanding. Assurances were also given that Irish beef will be considered when contracts, to fulfil Iranian requirements in its next fiscal year, commencing in late March, are negotiated. The conclusion of beef contracts is now a matter for the industry.