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

I thank the Deputy for the question. In November 2021, my Department commissioned a study of the wool sector. In July 2022, the report titled Review of Market Opportunities for Irish-Grown Wool Based Products, or the wool feasibility study for short, was published. One of the key recommendations of that study was the establishment of an independent all-island wool council that would be industry-led and comprise multiple stakeholders, including primary producers, farmers and commercial enterprises willing to fund research and marketing activities. In support of this recommendation, my Department committed financial assistance of €30,000 in seed funding. On 5 April 2023, more than 50 stakeholders from the wool sector launched the Irish Grown Wool Council. Members of the council were selected from a wide range of interests within the wool sector and include farmers, wool merchants, sheep shearers, educators, designers, crafters, industry representatives and farming organisations.

As I have said, the Irish Grown Wool Council is an independent body with members from both sides of the Border. My Department does not have a seat on the council itself and the council does not report to me. However, I am aware that the Irish Grown Wool Council has done internal work regarding its structures and governance. It recently held its first AGM - I believe it was this month - to discuss motions such as the appointment of council members and an independent chairperson.

The main external activity carried out since the establishment of the Irish Grown Wool Council was its recent participation in the Design & Crafts Council Ireland 2024 showcase at the RDS in late January. Its participation in the event included three one-hour expert discussion panels. The Irish Grown Wool Council also used the event as an opportunity to launch its IGWC brand and a new website, which can be found at www.irishgrownwoolcouncil.com.

As Minister of State, I met with the Irish Grown Wool Council at the end of last year. I will continue to work with the Irish Grown Wool Council to help it achieve its aims of promoting Irish wool as a natural, sustainable and versatile material and to carry out research to develop alternative markets and uses for Irish wool.

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