asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the reputation of Irish whiskey has been damaged in the United States of America by the marketing of immature and inferior quality-spirit incorrectly described as Irish whiskey, if so, whether he will consider taking steps to protect the good name and reputation of this valuable export.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Whiskey in America.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether consideration has been given to any long-term plan for the export to America from 1955 onward of increased quantities of Irish whiskey, and whether he will consider calling a conference of all those engaged in the distilling industry with a view to forwarding planning for such increased exports.
I propose to take Questions No. 28 and No. 29 together. I am not aware that the reputation of Irish whiskey has been damaged in the United States of America by the marketing of immature and inferior quality spirit, incorrectly described as Irish whiskey, but if the Deputy cares to pass on to me any information which he has on this point, I will have it examined with a view to determining whether any action is possible. The Deputy may not be aware that, following representations made by the Irish Minister at Washington to the United States Department of State, the words "Irish type" have been prohibited for use on any whiskey not actually manufactured in Ireland.
As part of the general aim of expanding exports to the United States, the possibility of developing increased exports of Irish whiskey to the United States is at present under consideration.