Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am fully committed to supporting and developing Ireland’s beef sector, which plays an important role in sustaining the rural economy and rural communities across Ireland. I am well aware of the particular importance of suckler farming in this regard. The beef sector has many strengths and one way of capitalising on these is through the means available under the EU geographical indications schemes, which highlight to consumers the value adding characteristics of a given product carrying a geographical indication logo.

The Deputy will be aware of the draft application by Bord Bia for a protected geographical indication, PGI, for Irish grass fed beef, which focuses on the reputation of high quality beef produced through Ireland’s grass-based production systems.  This application seeks to capture the benefit of the PGI status for Irish beef, which has earned a reputation as a high quality product, based on our grass-fed production systems. It has been drafted with a view to bringing the benefits of PGI status for the beef output of as many Irish farms as possible, while remaining consistent with the requirements of the EU PGI regulation. 

The product specification, as drafted, would ensure that the vast majority of Irish suckler beef production would qualify for the PGI status if the application is successful. Successful registration of the name would endorse and build on the already identifiable reputation and image of Irish beef in the marketplace and provide potential benefits to all producers meeting the specification, including the protection of Irish beef from imitation.

As part of the procedure for developing the application, a national opposition procedure was launched whereby groups or individuals could submit their suggestions and observations on the proposal over a period of four weeks.  This procedure concluded on Friday, 11 September and submissions will now be examined by my officials.  There will be further opportunity for discussion with stakeholders following this, including at the upcoming meeting of the beef task force.

It is important that there is a strong partnership to get agreement on suckler beef PGI status. The farming organisations have given their views and it is important that there be strong consultation with them. My firm intention is to do this, notably through the beef task force.

See this speech in context