Joe Walsh (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)

Bord Bia used its good offices in Cairo to get the commercial end in place. Last year, it held a successful symposium in Cairo which was attended by the Egyptian veterinary inspectorate and traders. Bord Bia succeeded in opening the market properly. Thankfully, there is no great need for the Egyptian market because we are doing so well in the commercial markets in the UK and Europe, which have high returns. Much work was done by Ambassador Richard O'Brien in Cairo and the Department of Agriculture and Food to resolve the issue, but it was mainly driven by Bord Bia.

I commend the Bill to the House and I look forward to meeting Members again on Committee Stage.

Question put and agreed to.

Committee Stage ordered for Tuesday, 3 February 2004.

Sitting suspended at 12.55 p.m. and resumed at 2 p.m.