Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
572. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will advise the engagement his Department has had in its role in revitalising the Irish wool industry; if he has engaged with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on this focus from an industry and enterprise perspective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38264/23]
View answerWhile I am not aware of any direct engagement with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine on this matter, the Design and Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) has engaged in a number of ways on behalf of the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment to look at how to address the sustainable production of Irish Wool.
The DCCI are engaging in sectoral discussion with its textile clients to have a forum on how to drive innovation around Irish wool as part of design week 2023 in November of this year.
DCCI has already supported and promoted Irish Wool brands as part of its Irish Business Design Challenge. The DCCI is continuously engaging with the Irish wool industry to promote the sector and provide marketing expertise.
While Enterprise Ireland does not directly engage with Wool producers in Ireland, they do provide various types of support to businesses, including those in the wool industry. These support services are designed to help businesses grow, innovate, and expand into international markets. The support mechanisms that may be available to the wool industry from Enterprise Ireland can be found on the Enterprise Ireland website at: enterprise-ireland.com.
