Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Senator Pippa Hackett):

I thank the Deputy for his continued interest in this matter. As he will be aware, the wool feasibility study report was published in July of this year. The review, which was compiled independently by The Agile Executive, contains a number of findings and recommendations, including potential funding streams, market opportunities for wool and multiple areas for additional research and development. One of the main recommendations of the review was the establishment of an independent wool council by the industry, and this received widespread support.

It is intended that this council will lead the development and promotion of Irish wool domestically and internationally. It will also act as a forum to bring together multiple stakeholders in order to foster collaboration, innovation and scaling activities in the wool sector. It is envisaged that the council will be a forum where stakeholders can further examine and explore the potential uses for wool identified in the wool feasibility study. Once established, my Department has committed to providing €30,000 in financial assistance towards the initial set-up costs.

I have informed the relevant stakeholders that I am eager to see the formation of this stakeholder-led wool council as soon as possible. It is my understanding that a meeting of the relevant stakeholders is scheduled to take place next week. I welcome that.

It is my hope that the wool council, once formed, will use the findings of the wool feasibility study report as a roadmap to develop pathways towards maximising the true potential of Irish wool into the future and to help drive increased returns for this great and sustainable product.

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