Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
2137. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to advance the proposal for an all-island Irish grown wool council in line with the recommendation of the Review of Market Opportunities for Irish-Grown Wool-Based Products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43449/22]
View answerAs 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 this independent industry led Wool Council.
