Paul Kehoe
Question:2093. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that he is taking to address the concerning low price of wool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40770/22]
View answerTuesday, 26 July 2022
Questions (2093)
Written answers
As the Deputy may be aware, one of the commitments under the current Programme for Government was to conduct a review of the potential demand for wool-based products such as for insulation and fertilisers in domestic and international markets.
The independently compiled review published on 1st July 2022 contains a number of findings and recommendations including potential funding streams, market opportunities for wool and multiple areas for additional research and development.
One of the main recommendations is the establishment of an industry-led Wool Council which would develop and promote Irish wool domestically and internationally and bring together multiple stakeholders to foster collaboration, innovation and scaling activities in the wool sector.
In support of this recommendation, I have committed to provide funding to the wool industry of €30,000 towards the initial set-up costs of setting up the Wool Council.
It is envisaged that this stakeholder Council will further examine the potential uses for wool identified in the Wool feasibility study report and provide clear pathways towards maximising the potential of this natural resource into the future.