Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012
497. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 277, 278 and 279 of 8 November 2012, if he will be more specific regarding when the age limit will increase to 30 months in Libya and when boats approved for live cattle exports will be available. [50921/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the end of September last the Libyan authorities agreed to a revised health certificate for cattle exports, including a 30-month age limit and clarification on the IBR vaccination issue. They requested original authenticated copies of the revised certificate to be sent to them for corresponding authentication on their side. The certificates were sent immediately thereafter on the 28 September. We are awaiting an official response to this communication.
No boats from Ireland are currently approved for such export but I am hopeful that a ship will be approved around year-end to enable sailings to commence in the New Year. I have asked my Department to ensure that approval of vessels is carried out as expediently as possible. I would add that there are other routes to Libya than direct sailings which involve overland through France and shipping across the Mediterranean.
