Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 5

Written Answers. - Foreign Milk Product.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

166 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a foreign milk product trading under the name of La Irlandesia is being sold; the action, if any, he intends to take in relation to the Irish trade name; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

"La Irlandesia" is a trade mark registered in Spain by a Canary Islands food distribution company. This company also acts as agent for the Irish Dairy Board in the Canary Islands and successfully markets Irish dairy products there under the Kerrygold brand.

I am aware that the company does market a certain number of non-Irish products under its "La Irlandesia" trade mark and has done so for close on 30 years. I understand from the Irish Dairy Board that it does not at present wish action to be taken against the company in question to prevent this. Were the need for action by the Government to be established, it would be a matter for the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, in the context of trade mark legislation. In the circumstances, however, it is not my intention at present to ask him to initiate any action in the matter.