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

I absolutely share those as well. In fact, there are small industries already trading in Irish wool, whether that is in the context of fertiliser or production. I accept that it is not large enough. There are companies making pillows and bedding out of wool. I was quite proud that the Irish Grown Wool Council contacted many Ministers attending St. Patrick’s Day parades and give them Irish-grown wool scarfs and gifts – it was 60% Irish-grown wool as we do not have 100% Irish-grown wool products - to bring abroad to showcase what we can do.

The feasibility study showed that this is the mechanism by which we will get there. As I said, I look forward to receiving proposals that should be funded. I do not think anyone is against funding it but the figures have to add up and it has to look like it is going to be profitable. Ultimately, we are getting there. I would love to see it established much more quickly and to have a viable sector for wool and those who produce the wool.

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