Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies Harkin and Kenny. The geographical area for the production of boxty in the context of the PGI application is Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo and Mayo. It is a great product. You do not see it in enough counties. It also has great potential particularly in terms of its health and nutrition benefits in the current context where people are looking for products that are not as processed and which have good benefits. It has great potential to grow and the PGI status is something which could really assist with that. At the moment, there is one final legal question arising on which my officials are waiting advice. As soon as that is resolved, the publication can then proceed. After the national opposition procedure has been published and completed, an assessment of the results of any oppositions received will be checked by the Department. Following on from that, an application will be made to the European Commission which will carry out its scrutiny and may consult the Department on matters arising from that. Then if the Commission is satisfied that the regulation requirements have been met, it will publish the application for a third-country member state opposition procedure outside of the country for members to contribute. If, after that process, any matters arising have been addressed, the Commission may proceed then to register the name "boxty" with a PGI.

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