Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy is aware that following the allocation of €100,000 for the review of the potential demand in international markets for wool-based products such as insulation and fertilisers, I initiated a consultation process to determine the terms of reference for such a review. Details of the proposed Terms of Reference to implement this review were published on the Department's website www.agriculture.gov.ie on 11th March 2021 as follows:

- the identification of market opportunities domestically and internationally for wool based products;

- carrying out economic feasibility and cost benefit analysis on proposed market opportunities;

- determining mechanisms that could be used to support industry initiatives; and

- identification of potential research projects applicable to supporting the identified market opportunities.

Interested parties were invited to submit comments on the proposed Terms of Reference and/or submissions on the potential market opportunities for wool products on the domestic and international markets. The closing date for submissions was 2nd April 2021.

The submissions received are currently being reviewed with a view to finalising the terms of reference. The time frame for the completion of the review including a tendering process for selection of external expertise, consultation with stakeholders and publication of the report is end of November 2021. The recommendations from this review will help to focus the development of a robust policy roadmap for the Irish wool industry.