I propose to take Questions Nos. 277 to 279, inclusive, together.
The following table sets out the current position as regards the markets to which the questions refer.
Country
|
Type of market
|
Egypt
|
Open to fattening cattle under 20 months and slaughter cattle under 30 months
|
Lebanon
|
Open to Breeding /fattening and slaughter cattle under 36 months
|
Libya
|
Open to fattening and slaughter male cattle under 24 months – increase in age limit to 30 months is being pursued.
|
The question of when trade will resume to these countries is dependent on a number of factors, including commercial factors such as price and demand and the availability and cost of suitable sea transport. No boats from Ireland are currently approved for such export, but I am hopeful that this position will change in the near future.