Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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432. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to increase whiskey production here as per the commitments in Food Harvest 2020; if he is satisfied with the number of whiskey producers here; his plans to encourage more producers to enter the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27199/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The development of the Irish Whiskey sector has been a key export success story for Ireland. Exports are showing double digit growth and a resurgence in demand is making Irish Whiskey the fastest growing premium spirits category globally with premium brands leading the way. In 2013, over 6.2 million 9-litre cases of Irish Whiskey were exported to over 100 countries. Irish Whiskey embodies traditional skills, authenticity and heritage and is one of the EU products with Geographical Indication status which have been listed for recognition and protection in EU free trade agreements with other countries.

As part of Food Harvest 2020, participants in the sector recently came together to form the Irish Whiskey Association and to chart a plan for future development and growth which could see up to sixteen potential new distilleries on the island of Ireland. Existing distilleries are engaged in major expansion and new entrants, both international operators and smaller independent companies, have plans to invest in the sector. The expansion under way, both large-scale and niche, will provide a strong base for the sector to expand further and in many cases the investments will also include a tourist element helping to bring jobs and visitors to rural areas.