463. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is possible to include a requirement for Irish-grown grain to be used in whiskey marketed as Irish whiskey in the revised Irish Whiskey Technical File. [66538/26]

The public consultation on the Irish Whiskey Technical File has only recently closed and over the course of the consultation, approximately 200 submissions were received. I was pleased to see the broad level of public engagement from across the spirit drink industry and beyond.

My Department is now commencing the process of reviewing the submissions.

Over the coming weeks and months my Department will engage with key stakeholders and experts on the proposals. Once the proposed amendments have been reviewed and assessed, then the process of updating the product specification including any European Commission approval will begin.

I am committed to promoting the use of Irish grain in the industry. I have stressed this in my meetings with the Drinks industry and have asked my Department to explore options as part of a wider review. I continue to support new market development and market access efforts for our quality, sustainable food and drink products including Irish whiskey.