Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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539. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the specific designation sought from the EU for PGI status for Irish beef; the status of the application; when he expects a decision from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53370/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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A Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) is a product which must be produced, processed or prepared in a particular geographical area, and where a specific quality reputation, or other characteristics are attributable to that area. I believe that such schemes can provide a positive economic opportunity for producers and for rural areas.  

Earlier this year, my Department organised a workshop on Geographical Indications, with participation by the EU Commission and a range of stakeholders, at which the possibility of applying for a PGI for Irish beef was explored. Since then, officials from my Department have been working with Bord Bia, in consultation with the EU Commission, on an application for a PGI for Irish Beef.   An application can only be submitted by, or on behalf of, a group of producers.

I hope that it will be possible to submit an application in the first quarter of 2020. The Regulations then require a formal national consultation or "opposition" period.  Following satisfactory completion of this consultation, an application will be formally lodged with the EU Commission for scrutiny and a further consultation or "opposition" procedure. 

I am deeply committed to fully supporting and developing Ireland’s beef sector, which plays an important role in sustaining the rural economy and rural communities across Ireland. The sector has many strengths and one way of capitalising on  these is through the Geographical Indications system, which highlights to consumers the high quality of a given product carrying the logo.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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540. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date of the recently established beef taskforce; the timeline for the completion of commitments given to the taskforce; the steps he is taking to implement the measures proposed by this Deputy and unanimously adopted by Dáil Éireann on 26 September 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53371/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I have established a Beef Taskforce to provide the leadership to develop a sustainable pathway for the future of the beef sector in terms of economic, environmental and social sustainability. The Taskforce will provide a robust implementation structure for commitments entered into in the Beef Talks Agreement, with timelines and stakeholder engagement.  A number of issues raised by the Deputy in the motion referred to are covered in the Agreement. Furthermore, the Beef Taskforce will offer a suitable platform for strategic engagement with key stakeholders, including retailers and regulatory authorities.  

There is a specific webpage on my Department's website dedicated to the Beef Taskforce at .  This webpage contains the agreement reached on 15 September, the Terms of Reference for the Taskforce and updates on actions arising out of the 15 September Agreement.

The first meeting of the Beef Taskforce took place on 3 December. Minutes and update reports from that meeting will be published on the webpage this week. The next meeting of the Beef Taskforce will take place on 9 January.