Mr. Ian Talbot:

It is pleasure to address the Cathaoirleach and committee today. I thank them for inviting us before the committee on behalf of Chambers Ireland. Our membership consists of the 36 affiliated chambers of commerce nationwide that are active in and central to each of their local economies. While we tend to be generous, each of our chambers of commerce is deeply wedded to its town, city, county and, ultimately, community. As an organisation, we are advocates of free and open trade. Trade has been a core element in developing our economic growth and prosperity. It plays a critical role in expanding market access, driving innovation and strengthening competitiveness. EU membership has transformed the economy and granted us access to the largest trade network in the world through a combination of access to the Single Market and 40 individual agreements with countries and regions, enabling exports worth €3 billion to benefit from reduced tariffs. This is not something we should take for granted. While these figures signal success, we must not allow complacency to set in. More needs to be done to enable indigenous businesses to trade. It is with regret that we see missed opportunities, such as protecting the intellectual property of Irish products, for example. In recent times, trade tended to only feature at the political level with the onset of Brexit or in regrettable opposition to the EU free trade agenda. We ask Oireachtas Members to reject misinformation regarding free trade agreements and consider their intrinsic value to our competitiveness.

Similarly, we were extremely disappointed the referendum regarding the Unified Patent Court was postponed earlier this year. If passed, businesses would have had a straightforward route to registering patents and a better chance to protect their intellectual property in multiple markets throughout the Single Market. Postponing the referendum means patents still have to be litigated separately in the national courts of each country. Only large firms have the capacity to absorb the costs required. The notable financial gains to be made, along with the opportunities for Irish companies in protecting their intellectual property are, therefore, lost. With this in mind, it is critical we seize the opportunities with regard to geographical indications for Irish craft and industry. The focus must be on leveraging these to their fullest extent.

The regulation provides a cross-border framework within which products can obtain official EU recognition, fortifying intellectual property rights. Alongside granting manufacturers a competitive edge in the market, this formal recognition ensures product authenticity; boosts economic growth for local manufacturers; preserves cultural heritage; and fosters fair competition. In simple monetary terms, products with geographical indication status generally command roughly double the market price of similar, non-certified products. This not only benefits manufacturers but also the local economies and value chains to which the product is linked.

For Ireland, the focus on craft and industrial products is promising. Strategy will be key, however. It will be crucial to pre-empt any challenges and make the regulation accessible for businesses. It cannot be overstated that businesses will require help in navigating the administrative burden. The route to registration should not be unduly onerous on them. As a starting point, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment should develop a strategy to seize the market opportunities I alluded to. Mapping exercises with local manufacturers and communities should be undertaken. There should be a focus on quality, regional products and the local knowledge required to manufacture them. The Department should examine best practices for registration. This should involve examining, for example, the consortia-led model in Italy where government authorities work closely at national and regional levels with producer associations to push for GI recognition. With more than 300 products registered, this provides a template for success which we should not be discouraged from emulating.

I encourage the committee to reflect on the following points: full and rapid implementation will be key to delivering on the benefits and allowing our craft and industrial sectors to flourish; and the Government must be proactive in making compliance with the regulation accessible to deliver on the benefits for both businesses and our local economies. I am aware Deputy Bruton is present, who is a former Minister. He did a great job with the actions plans series. An action plan for GIs may be a good starting point. Let this not be another missed golden opportunity.