As the Deputy has referred to, the Programme for Government (PFG) has committed to exploring the potential for the growing of fibre crops such as hemp.
My Department has been proactive on this issue and undertook a consultation on the hemp industry in 2019. This consultation included those involved in hemp regulation, research and the then hemp representative bodies.
My Department has and continues to engage with relevant stakeholders from different hemp representative bodies. Notwithstanding the above and as outlined in the PFG, my Department will engage with relevant stakeholders in early 2021 to fully explore the viability of growing fibre crops such as hemp and whether viable markets exist.