Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1089. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when PG1 status will be approved in respect of a food product (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29061/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As part of the EU quality schemes, product names may be registered with a geographical indication if they have a specific link to the place where they are made. A Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) emphasises the relationship between the specific geographical region and the particular quality, reputation or other characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. PGI recognition enables consumers to trust and distinguish quality products while also helping producers to market their products better.

Applications for registration must be submitted to my Department as competent authority for geographical indications to ensure that the application meets the conditions for registration set out in the relevant EU regulations.

My Department has had recent extensive engagement with the applicant group with a view to advancing towards the national opposition stage which allows any natural or legal person having a legitimate interest to lodge an opposition to the application. Following the national opposition stage and resolution of any oppositions arising, if my Department considers that the application meets the conditions for registration, the next stage is submission of the application for scrutiny by the European Commission. If the outcome of that scrutiny is positive, the application would be subject to an opposition procedure at member state/third country level, following which, subject to any issues arising, a decision on registration of the PGI would be made at EU level.