Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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1338. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he has taken to date to protect the ongoing sustainability of new entrant and small Irish whiskey and Irish gin distillers; his views on the protection, competition and the need for greater investment in the Irish whiskey and spirits industry going forward; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38354/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Food Wise 2025 strategy identified further potential to increase exports of alcoholic beverages and to diversify markets. Steps for Success 2017, which reported on progress in the past year, included case studies on growth in Irish Whiskey and Irish craft gin, exemplified by the opening of new distilleries and production plants, the launch of new brands and double digit export growth. Irish Whiskey exports reached a value of €500 million in 2016.

My Department has a regulatory role in regard to spirit drinks geographical indications (GI) under European legislation. A dedicated control system for the three protected Irish spirit drinks GIs (Irish Cream, Irish Poitín and Irish Whiskey) has put in place in recent years by my Department acting with the Revenue Commissioners, the FSAI and the HSE. This provides important support and protection for the industry. Only verified distilleries and production plants are eligible to produce the three spirit drinks GIs. Facilities which have been verified are listed on my Department’s website. My officials are working on an official list of brands to further protect those investing in the spirits industry. They also have regular contact with trade bodies including the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) and the Irish Spirits Association (ISA) as well as individual companies and brand owners.

The state agencies including Bord Bia and Enterprise Ireland offer promotional, marketing and investment assistance to companies, including new entrants to the spirits industry, to help them to grow and to diversify markets.

In relation to Brexit, in particular, I hosted a sectoral dialogue meeting in May for all those working in the alcohol and beverage sector.