Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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94. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to protect Irish whiskey in international markets; the plans for expansion in that regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35260/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Irish Whiskey is a protected geographical indication and recognised under the European Union Quality Schemes as a quality product associated with tradition and authenticity.

Geographical indications are similar to intellectual property, and these products have protection from evocation and misuse across the European Union. That means that it is not permitted for a product to claim to be an Irish Whiskey when it is not produced in Ireland in accordance with the product specification. This protection is against both direct misuse, that is to say, a fraudulent product which claims to be Irish Whiskey when it is not, or indirect misuse, when a product misleads the consumer that would give a false impression that their product is Irish Whiskey when it is not.

As well its protection in the European Union, Geographical Indications may be included in Free Trade Agreements, which leads to their protection in Third country markets. This process has been very successful to date. Irish Whiskey is currently protected under international agreements in 34 third country markets. This extensive protection means that a significant proportion of Irish Whiskey exports are to destinations where it has protection in an international agreement.

In regard to enhancing that protection further, when an FTA is being negotiated my Department examines export statistics to that market, consults with industry and proposes that certain geographical indications such as Irish Whiskey be proposed for inclusion in these FTAs where appropriate.

On an on-going basis, my Department has regular engagement with industry to ensure that their needs and concerns are heard, and supports industry in any appropriate actions they may take relating to the protection of Irish Whiskey on the global marketplace.