8 February 2001 Edition
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.
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.