The consultation to “fully explore the potential for growing fibre crops such as hemp, considering whether these crops have a viable market” in line with a commitment given in the current Programme for Government commenced last August.
The consultation is being conducted by my Department with input from relevant stakeholders. Submissions received as part of the consultative process are nearing final stages of evaluation and I would hope to have the completed report available to me shortly.
When the process has concluded and the findings evaluated I will be able to make a determination regarding the future viability of growing fibre crops such as hemp in Ireland.