Ireland has fully addressed the concerns of the Egyptian authorities on live exports of Irish cattle, the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, has stated. The Government had also submitted a detailed proposal for a trial shipment within the past few days. In the latest move to reopen live trade with Egypt - worth potentially £70 million - the Minister said the proposals include veterinary and technical assessment of the handling and slaughtering facilities in the Middle East.
They have been forwarded to Egypt for consideration.
He added: "This proposal, which was drawn up in a joint exercise by the Department and the Live Exporters' Association, and which builds on the outcome of a recent visit to Egypt by technical experts, will hopefully allow for a trial shipment in the near future."
Specific concerns relating to the safety of cattle had been addressed. While beef exports were continuing at successful levels, the need to resume live exports was being accorded priority, Mr Walsh said. Pursuing a trial shipment was considered "the best approach to pave the way for a full resumption of trade".
A Department spokesman said Egypt has in any event agreed to take 60,000 tonnes of frozen beef this year, the equivalent of 180,000 cattle.
The Minister, however, wanted the live trade to be resumed given its importance for Irish beef prices. The first live shipment of more than 1,900 cattle has gone to Lebanon during the past week.
