Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is not accurate. All of us, including the farming organisations, representatives, the Department and Bord Bia, see the value. That is why this is being developed. It will be of real benefit to have a PGI grass-fed designation for beef. It will make it more marketable and more valuable in the markets we are selling into. It is due recognition of the quality of the product. I engaged with Minister Poots throughout this. The intention was always that it would be an island of Ireland application. We had a lot more of the preparatory work done than was in place in Northern Ireland. We started the process and got the application in so it could kick off, with the intention of Northern Ireland joining as the process went on. It was to try to do it within the best possible timeframe but always with a commitment that it would be all-island.

See this speech in context