Pippa Hackett (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her continued interest in this. The wool sector is an important aspect of the wider agrifood sector. The Irish-grown wool council was officially formed on 5 April 2023. It is an independent stakeholder-led council. Members of the council represent a wide range of different industries and interests from within the wool sector including: farmers, wool merchants, sheep shearers, educators, designers, crafters as well as industry representatives and farming organisations. The diverse membership and all-island composition of the council are particularly welcome and pleasing to see.

I am also encouraged to see the establishment of the Wool Research and Innovation Hub, which is led by the Circular Bioeconomy Cluster South West at Munster Technological University, with members from a number of different higher education institutions involved. The stated purpose of the Wool Research and Innovation Hub is "to bridge the gap between idea and execution through new product research and innovation, enhancing the perceived value of Irish wool and ensuring a fairer return to primary producers and across the entire value chain" which is a goal everyone would like to see achieved.

My Department does not hold a seat on the wool council but we continue to work closely with and support the council. In fact, to date, no requests for the draw down of the pledged €30,000 for initial set up has been received by my Department. I believe that the ambitions and purpose of both the Irish-grown wool council and the Wool Research and Innovation Hub, along with the diverse knowledge and expertise of members of both groups will be the key to unlocking the true potential of Irish wool going forward.

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