Niamh Smyth
Ceist:37. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the work that he is undertaking to support Ireland’s wool industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38518/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 14 July 2022
Ceisteanna (37)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, one 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.
Despite its versatility in many industries, wool prices remain unacceptably low so in order to address this issue and seek a more favourable outlook for the future of the wool industry I initiated a comprehensive review of the wool industry to explore market opportunities and maximise its value for all stakeholders
In March 2021, I launched a public consultation process to identify terms of reference for the review and to invite stakeholders to make recommendations on potential domestic and international market opportunities for wool products. Stakeholders submitted a total of 45 submissions.
Following a competitive public procurement procedure, ‘The Agile Executive’ a consortium made up of experts from Munster Technological University and Donegal Yarns, were appointed in November 2021 to carry out the wool review and examine the submissions received under the public consultation process.
The Agile Executive produced a report on the findings of the review and this report was published on the 1st July 2022. This report which was compiled independently by The Agile Executive, contains a number of findings and recommendations. One of the main recommendations is the establishment of an industry-led Wool Council to develop and promote Irish wool domestically and internationally and bring together multiple stakeholders to foster collaboration, innovation and scaling activities in the wool sector.
Following the formation by industry of this Council, I am pleased to announce that my Department will commit funding of €30,000 towards the initial set-up costs. I am very supportive of the proposal of an industry led Wool Council which I believe can provide a pathway towards maximising the true potential of this valuable natural resource into the future.