Pippa Hackett (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank both Deputies. The council has been established to look at a number of issues. There are more recommendations in the feasibility study, with which we also need to push on. I have been at events where they show farmers how to manage their wool, and how to keep it dag free and increase the value of the wool from that point. We are dealing with research through the wool research and innovation hub through Munster Technological University. There is research to be carried out. Unfortunately, there is not a demand for wool. We need to do research on the different types of wool. I understand that Galway Wool Co-op is giving up to €2.50 per kg for wool from pure-bred Galway sheep. I know there are also opportunities for organic wool. It might be double or treble the price, but it is still double or treble a very low price. The challenge is both to support the farmers and create the market places for the wool. There are small opportunities there, and building on those might be one of the first places to start.

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