Vol. 557 No. 4
172 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when commercial beef exports will commence to Egypt; if there are still some outstanding technical issues blocking exports to this market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22717/02]
The decision by the Egyptian authorities in October of last year to lift the ban on Irish beef imports was a welcome development for Irish cattle and beef sectors. All the technical veterinary issues to permit trade to resume have been agreed with the Egyptian authorities.
The resumption of beef exports to Egypt is now a commercial matter for the industry. The recent introduction of a special EU export refund rate for Egypt which is 30% above the normal level, should be of major help in allowing Irish exporters regain a strong presence on this important market. This refund was introduced following strong representations to the EU Commission. I made it clear to the industry here that a longer term perspective should be taken in relation to this particular market in view of its importance as a major importer and that the opportunity now presented by the reopening of the market and the introduction of an exceptionally high refund level should not be lost.
