2657. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is expected that PGI status will be approved in respect of boxty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58957/26]

I am pleased that an application to register Boxty as a protected geographical indication (PGI) has been submitted to my Department. PGIs identify a product whose quality, reputation or other characteristics are linked to its geographical origin. Boxty is a traditional potato dish which is deeply rooted in our heritage.

For an application to reach the point of registration it must complete national and European level procedures. The Boxty applicant has engaged extensively with my Department and undertaken important work to finalise the product specification and single document in line with regulatory requirements and to strengthen the application.

The next step for the application is the national opposition procedure. This will give an opportunity for all interested parties to examine the application and submit any observations they may wish to make. Once that process is finalised and any oppositions dealt with in accordance with the EU rules, the next stage would be to submit the application to the European Commission for scrutiny.

I am very supportive of PGI applications such as this as they add value to our agri-food products as well as highlighting their heritage.