Public consultation for Irish whiskey specification to be launched
Irish whiskey's special importance is recognised by its status as a geographical indication, which protects products that possess a specific quality, reputation, or other characteristic attributed to a specific geographical area.
The launch of a public consultation on reviewing the Irish whiskey product specification has been announced.
Irish whiskey is an important product for the island of Ireland. Its special importance is recognised by its status as a geographical indication, which protects products that possess a specific quality, reputation, or other characteristic attributed to a specific geographical area where at least one stage of production, processing or preparation takes place.
The public consultation will open on Friday, June 26, at 9 am, and will be open for a period of 10 weeks, closing on September 4 at 4 pm.
The consultation invites stakeholders to review the product specification and supporting documentation and submit comments, observations, or objections where appropriate. This consultation will form part of the process for review of the product specification by the relevant authorities.
Agriculture minister Martin Heydon, said: "This consultation provides an important opportunity for producers, businesses, consumers and other interested parties to contribute their views on the technical file.
"Geographical indications help protect regional food heritage, support local economies and provide consumers with confidence regarding product authenticity."
Minister for agriculture of Northern Ireland Andrew Muir, said: “Irish whiskey is a globally renowned product, rooted in tradition and vital to our agri-food and drinks sector. This consultation provides an important opportunity to listen to views on the technical specification, and thereby ensure that it continues to protect the integrity, quality, and reputation of the geographical indication.”
Consultation documents, including previously submitted proposed amendments to the specification and supporting evidence, will be made available from June 26 on the department's website.
Submissions should be sent via email with reference “Public Consultation Irish Whiskey” to: spiritdrinksconsultation@agriculture.gov.ie. All submissions must include a summary of no more than 300 words of the main points.
Submissions received during the consultation period will be considered as part of the department's evaluation of the application. A summary of responses may be published following the conclusion of the consultation, subject to applicable data protection and confidentiality requirements.
