Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Harkin for raising this. This is something I strongly support and PGI status would greatly enhance the capacity of boxty to grow in popularity and be understood and develop in new markets internationally. I am glad to report that my Department expects to shortly publish the PGI application for boxty as part of the national opposition procedure required under the relevant EU regulation. This opposition procedure, which is like a public consultation, will allow anyone having a legitimate interest or an established resident in Ireland to make a submission to my Department about the application. If, following that assessment or the results of any oppositions received and any consequential changes to the application agreed with the applicant producer group, my Department considers the regulatory requirements are met, it may take a favourable decision and submit the application to the European Commission. The boxty PGI application is close to reaching this publication stage. Last week I was glad to attend an event at the European Commission marquee at the National Ploughing Championships, which placed a spotlight on Ireland's registered PGI products. It was a very good exposition of how PGI can work to support products. I want to see that happen for boxty as well. I will certainly make sure that publication happens promptly. It has reached the stage where the preparatory work has been completed and facilitated and is taking that next important step.

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