Sinn Féin discuss beef trade in Lebanon
Sinn Féin representatives met Lebanon's Agriculture minister in
Beirut on Tuesday, 6 February, to improve beef trade links
between Ireland and the Middle East.
Ard Chomhairle member and Kerry County Councillor Martin Ferris
and Monaghan UDC Councillor Owen Smyth met with the Agriculture
minister and Lebanese farming organisations.
The Sinn Féin delegation had already met the Prime Minister's
Parliamentary Assistant, the Minister for Communications, and the
Minister for Defence (one of the biggest beef contractors is the
Lebanese Army). They have also had talks with the Beirut Chamber
of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.
Speaking from Beirut, Martin Ferris said: ``Talks are ongoing and
there has been an encouraging response from all the ministers and
trade organisations that we have met. This has already proven to
have been a tremendously positive trip and we are looking forward
to developing some very worthwhile trade agreements in the farm
sector which will be mutually beneficial to Ireland and Lebanon.''
Cavan/Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin was scheduled to lead the
delegation but was unable to travel because of a crisis meeting
of the North Eastern Health Board on Monday to decide the fate of
maternity services in Monaghan and Louth.
During their visit, the Sinn Féin representatives will meet
President Lahoud and Prime Minister Rafic El Hariri.
The Sinn Féin representatives will update the Dublin Department
of Agriculture and farming organisations on the outcome of their
talks when they return to Ireland.
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