Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Absolutely. The programme for Government highlights the importance of the wool sector and how we want to help develop further opportunities for wool and examine the possibility of a scouring plant. We do not have one in Ireland and that is an impediment to further development. I remember a time when the shearing of sheep and the collection of wool was a really valuable part of a sheep farmer's activity. That cheque was a very important part of that overall activity. Not only is wool categorised as waste but, in terms of economic return, its value is not seen as worth the work and the strain. Shearing and collecting wool is very physical work. That is something we want to see change. In addition to adding value to lamb and sheep as a commodity and creating an extra income stream for farmers, wool demonstrates the circular nature of our food production system in that it has so many great uses including insulation and many others that have not been considered in the past. I very much want to work with the sector to see that developed.

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