Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House. He will be familiar with the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, ICSA, with which he and his Department work closely. It has raised the issue of capacity to expand and develop the wool industry. Sheep wool is natural, renewable and biodegradable and has many uses. There is a strong case for its usage in the greening and insulation of houses and, in particular, industrial properties, etc., to be examined. As a material, it has enormous potential. Work is ongoing on how we can expand the use and demand for wool, particularly Irish wool. There are opportunities to develop the wool industry that need to be explored.

The national sheep chairman of the ICSA, Mr. John Brooks, contacted me and provided me with various press releases and statements he has issued seeking the establishment of a dedicated Irish wool forum. He sees such a forum as of particular importance in addressing some of the issues relating to the wool industry and makes a strong case for its establishment. The Minister will point out that there have been many groups, subgroups and subdivisions of subgroups in the agriculture industry, but this is a particular market and should be given favourable consideration. All indications point to an impending total price collapse for wool. The market in Britain has totally collapsed. We want to encourage the shearing of sheep. In terms of animal welfare and husbandry, it is unacceptable for them not to be sheared. There is a requirement for sheep in the meat industry, but there is also a market for wool. Irish wool is a particularly good product.

I ask the Minister to give serious consideration to the establishment of such a forum, to include representation of interested groups, particularly the ICSA. Wool is an abundant natural resource, which is renewable and biodegradable. It has many benefits. Traditionally, we have had a wonderful industry engaged in the manufacturing of wool and wool-related cloth. There is scope to develop it. It needs a new focus and, as such, I am asking, as Mr. Brooks requested, that the Minister and his Department give serious consideration to the establishment of this forum or explore other options for the protection and, more important, the expansion of this industry.