Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)

I have two brief questions for the Minister. What timetable does he envisage for the new distinctive brand Ireland, which is crucially important as a marketing tool? Has any consideration been given to establishing a separate quality brand that would be owned and controlled by our own food agencies but not specifically branded as Irish? Countries have a reputation for the production of certain artisan or other food products such as the French in the case of pastries, the Germans in the case of cured sausages and the Swiss in the case of chocolate. Companies in Ireland that can compete internationally at a competitive price level in the market for these food products but they need an overarching brand for that, one not necessarily associated directly with Ireland but controlled as a marketing tool on behalf of Ireland.

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