Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the restoration of live trade to Egypt, Lebanon and Libya which is vital for additional outlets for stock and price competition; and when he expects trade to open in these markets. [41317/12]

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that has been made on veterinary certificates and designated boats for the live export trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41319/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 452 and 453 together.

The position is that both the Libyan and Lebanese markets have recently been opened for live cattle from Ireland and in the case of Libya, my Department is working closely with the Libyan veterinary authorities to have the age limit, which currently stands at 24 months, increased to thirty months. The Egyptian market is also open to fattening cattle under 20 months and slaughter cattle under 30 months. The question of when trade will resume to these countries is dependent on a number of factors, including commercial factors such as price and demand.

In relation to transport issues, Ireland has strict animal welfare rules in relation to the approval of ships for transport. These rules are designed to protect the welfare of livestock during transport. The process of approval involves an initial detailed documentary check to confirm that certain structural, stability and other standards are in compliance with our legislation. If this documentary check is in order, an on-site inspection of the ship is carried out by a Marine Surveyor and a Veterinary Inspector from my Department. While no ship has completed the approval process to date, two ships have recently been inspected as part of the approval process.