Denis Naughten
Ceist:85. Deputy Denis Naughten 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. [47187/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 25 October 2022
Ceisteanna (85)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, one of the commitments of the current Programme for Government was 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 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 in order to maximise the potential of this valuable natural resource. I set aside funding of €100,000 to carry out this review.
In March 2021, a public consultation process was launched to identify terms of reference for the review and to invite stakeholders to make recommendations on potential market opportunities for wool products. A total of 45 submissions were received from a wide range of stakeholders.
Following a competitive public procurement process, ‘The Agile Executive’ a consortium made up of experts from Munster Technological University and Donegal Yarns, was appointed in November 2021 to carry out the wool review and examine the submissions received under the public consultation process.
In July 2022, the Programme for Government commitment was delivered with the publication of the Wool Review Report. This report which was compiled independently by The Agile Executive, contained a number of findings and recommendations including potential funding streams, market opportunities and multiple areas for additional research and development for wool.
One of the main recommendations was the establishment of an independent Wool Council led by industry which would develop and promote Irish wool domestically and internationally and bring together multiple stakeholders to foster collaboration, innovation and scaling activities in the wool sector. It is envisaged that this Council would be a forum where stakeholders can further examine and explore the potential uses for wool identified in the Wool Feasibility Study report.
I understand that stakeholders in the Wool industry have taken the initial steps towards the formation of the Wool Council, and I anticipate that this process will be concluded by the industry in the coming months. I am very supportive of the establishment of this independent industry-led Wool Council which can use the findings of the wool review as a roadmap to develop pathways towards maximising the true potential of Irish wool into the future.
Once established, my Department has committed to providing €30,000 in financial assistance towards the initial set-up costs.
It is my hope that the Council and the report can create a roadmap that will lead to greater returns for this great and sustainable product.