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Dáil
‹ Questions on Promised Legislation

Irish whiskey and Brexit

Summary

Deputy Martin Kenny raises protected geographical indication rules and the impact of Brexit on the use of the term 'Irish whiskey', including Bushmills. The Taoiseach says the issue will have to be dealt with in withdrawal negotiations and the future trading relationship.

Everyone is conscious that significant problems are coming at us because of Brexit. I would like to focus on the issue of protected geographical indication. Every whiskey that is produced on the island of Ireland is designated as "Irish whiskey". After Brexit, it will no longer be possible to call Bushmills "Irish whiskey". This will have an impact on all the other products that are called "Irish whiskey". The system of protected geographical indication is governed by an EU directive. When the UK leaves the EU, all the products in Ireland that come under that directive will be affected because it will no longer be the case that the entire island is in the EU. The Government needs to focus on this issue, which will have a particular impact on the spirits industry. We need to be conscious of the need to protect this huge growth industry.

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Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I am sure Bushmills will continue to wish to describe itself as "Irish whiskey".

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It will not be allowed to do so.

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Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I cannot imagine that it would wish to describe itself as "British whiskey", "Ulster whiskey" or anything else of the sort. Of course this is a matter for negotiation in the context of the withdrawal agreement and the new trading relationship that will develop between the EU and the UK. I am aware of the country of origin issue.

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