Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
33. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 78 of 26 October 2023, for an update on the work of the wool council; if the €30,000 in Departmental funding has been drawn down to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55641/23]
View answerOn the fifth of April 2023, wool sector stakeholders from across the island come together to establish the all-island 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.
I also committed the €30,000 in seed funding to help with the set up and established of the Council. I understand that it is expected that the Irish Grown Wool Council will make the first drawdown of this funding in the very near future.
The Irish Grown Wool Council is an independent body with members from both sides of the border and while my Department does not have a seat on the council, my officials are in regular contact with the Council. I have also been informed that the Irish Grown Wool Council intend to hold their AGM early in the new year.
Over time it is envisaged that the council will 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
