asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that brands of inferior whiskey of unknown distillation or origin are being sold in England and Northern Ireland as Irish whiskey; and if, in view of the importance of the distilling industry in Eire, he will make it known to the British and Northern Ireland publics that the export of whiskey from the reputable distillers in Éire is now almost at a standstill owing to lack of raw materials; and if he will in this way maintain the good name of Éire distillers as the producers of some of the best whiskey in the world.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of “Irish” Whiskey.
Mr. A. Byrne
I am not aware that brands of inferior whiskey of unknown distillation or origin are being sold as Irish whiskey to any substantial extent in England or Northern Ireland, and I have received no representations in this matter from the Irish distillers. The control on the export of whiskey which was imposed in November, 1941, was applied, amongst other reasons, to confine exports to the normal trade channels. It was considered that this would be one of the most effective means of ensuring that the reputation of Irish whiskey in the export markets would be maintained. I do not consider it practicable to adopt the other measures suggested by the Deputy.