Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
825. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he expects to receive and publish the wool feasibility study; the measures that he will adopt to develop an indigenous wool sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27696/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the commitments of the current Programme for Government is to conduct a review of the potential demand for wool-based products such as for insulation and fertilisers in domestic and international markets.
In March 2021, I initiated a public consultation to identify terms of reference for this review.
The agreed terms of reference were:
- identification of market opportunities domestically and internationally for wool-based products;
- carrying out economic feasibility and cost benefit analysis on proposed market opportunities;
- determining mechanisms that could be used to support industry initiatives;
- identification of potential research projects applicable to supporting the identified market opportunities.
Respondents were also asked to make recommendations on potential domestic and international market opportunities for wool products. Forty-five stakeholder submissions were received.
The Request for Tenders seeking service providers to carry out this study was published on 8th July 2021 through a competitive public procurement procedure and five tenders were received. In November 2021, I appointed 'The Agile Executive,' a consortium of experts from Munster Technological University and Donegal Yarns, to conduct this study.
The expert group was contracted to conduct the review in accordance with the terms of reference and to examine submissions received during the public consultation. The expert group's report has now been received by my Department and is being finalised for publication in the coming weeks.
Given that wool is a natural substance that is sustainable, organic and renewable and can be used in a variety of products such as textiles, fertiliser, and insulation, it makes great sense to investigate its potential. I am hopeful that this review the report's recommendations will aid the development of a strong policy framework for the Irish wool industry.
