Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I acknowledge the progress that has been made in this area. There is a more positive outlook, but we still have a long way to go before wool can be a strong contributor to rural economies. Besides woolen products, there is considerable potential for its use in insulation, fertiliser, packing and horticulture.

Given its versatility and former abundance in Ireland, especially in the west, the current state of the sector is a clear sign of policies that are not working. However, last year's feasibility report highlights the many challenges involved in making these potential avenues viable. Can the Minister of State outline the progress that she and the wool council have made in meeting the report's short-term goals, especially around improved training and creating an apprenticeship model for the wool sector? Can she also outline the progress made in examining the establishment of a wool testing facility and a wool hub?

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