Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has engaged in discussions with Egypt and Libya and the Lebanon on the issue of live cattle exports. [41990/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department has already reached agreement with the Libyan and Lebanese authorities to the opening of their markets to cattle from Ireland. In the case of Libya, my Department is working closely with the Libyan veterinary authorities to have the age limit of animals, which currently stands at 24 months, increased to thirty months. My Department has also secured the opening of the Egyptian market to fattening cattle under 20 months and slaughter cattle under 30 months. The opportunities available in these markets is now a matter for Irish exporters to develop.