Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2023
66. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the work of the wool council to date; the frequency with which it has met; what reports have issued to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47003/23]
View answerIn November 2021, my Department commissioned a study of the wool sector. Published in July 2022, the report was titled Review off Market Opportunities for Irish-Grown Wool Based Products, or the Wool Feasibility Study for short.
One of the key recommendations of the Wool Feasibility Study was the establishment of an independent, all-island wool council that would be industry-led and comprise multiple stakeholders from the wool sector, including primary producers, farmers and commercial enterprises willing to fund research and marketing activities. In support of this recommendation my Department committed financial assistance of €30,000 towards the initial set-up costs of the council.
In December last year, a meeting of stakeholders from across the island interested in forming a wool council took place. The group discussed their common aims and set up a working group to take the next steps in establishing the council. Officials from my Department also attended to outline the requirements for drawing down the seed funding.
On the fifth of April 2023, over 50 stakeholders from the wool sector launched the Irish Grown Wool Council. Members of the council were selected from a wide range of interests within the wool sector, including farmers; wool merchants; sheep shearers; educators; designers; crafters; as well as industry representatives and farming organisations. Department officials also attended the launch meeting to observe the process.
Officials from my Department have been in contact with the Council and have been informed that the next meeting will take place on the 27 October 2023.
Although my Department has committed the €30,000 in seed funding, which I understand has yet to be drawn down, the Irish Grown Wool Council is an independent body with members from both sides of the border. My Department does not have a seat on the council as it is an independent body and does not report to me.
Over time the council aims to promote wool as a natural, sustainable and versatile material. Its objectives are to improve the quality of Irish-farmed wool and to facilitate collaboration in product development and market research.
The deputy can obtain details of the Irish Grown Wool Council directly by contacting irishgrownwoolcouncil@gmail.com.
