Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 November 2012
189. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine If he will restore the live trade to Libya, Egypt and the Lebanon which will provide vital price competition and outlets for stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51691/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe three markets in question are open to exports of live cattle from Ireland. The following table sets out the current position in relation to the specifics of each of these markets.
|
Country |
Type of market |
|
Egypt |
Open to fattening cattle under 20 months and to 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 has been agreed but official endorsement is awaited. |
No boats from Ireland are currently approved for such export but I am hopeful that a ship will be approved around the year-end to enable sailings to commence in the new year.
