Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Egyptian market is already open. I will revert to the Deputy with the details for the other areas. I cannot say definitively when the Turkish authorities will come back to us. It is approximately two weeks since they left here and I understand from the officials in my Department that they were quite impressed by what they saw in terms of the specification of animals that would suit their market demands, but we await their response and we will not be found wanting on our side in terms of opening up that market for live exports. There is significant opportunity there because of an outbreak of bluetongue in France, where they traditionally source cattle.

We are hoping to be able to capitalise on that opportunity but it is contingent on the Turkish veterinary authorities responding favourably to what they saw here and doing so in a timely manner that will help the industry. Once we complete all the necessary paperwork, the industry must step in and determine whether this is a viable market in which to operate.

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