118. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the Irish whiskey files will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35741/26]

I welcome the significant growth and success of the Irish whiskey sector in recent years. In 2010, there were only four distilleries on the Island, but in the years since, the growth in the sector has been tremendous. We now have just under 50 distilleries on the island.  Irish whiskey makes a substantial contribution to our economy and is also a prominent example of a successful all-island industry.

Irish Whiskey is a Geographical Indication registered with the European Commission and must be produced in accordance with the Irish Whiskey Product Specification.

The Irish Whiskey Product Specification sometimes referred to as the Whiskey File is currently being examined. My Department has begun the process of amending the Irish Whiskey Technical File and are currently preparing for the public consultation phase. I hope to announce the date for the opening of the public consultation process shortly. Once opened the window for submissions will last for a period of two months. I very much encourage all interested parties to engage with this process and would welcome strong engagement from the public.

Following the public consultation there will be a detailed examination of the submissions, and this will actively inform decisions. A significant part of this process, includes an assessment on how to progress with any of proposed amendments. Some amendments may be deemed ‘standard’ national amendments, with others considered ‘Union’ amendments which must be submitted to the EU Commission for consideration.

Amending the Irish Whiskey Technical File is a priority for my Department and I look forward to launching the key public consultation phase shortly.