Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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182. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the establishment of the wool council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61348/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, one of the commitments of the current Programme for Government was to conduct a review of the potential demand for wool-based products such as for insulation and fertilisers in domestic and international markets.

Despite its versatility in many industries, wool prices remain low, so in order to address this issue and seek a more favourable outlook for the future of the wool industry, I initiated a comprehensive review of the wool industry to explore market opportunities in order to maximise the potential of this valuable natural resource.  I set aside funding of €100,000 to carry out this review.  

In March 2021, a public consultation process was launched to identify terms of reference for the review and to invite stakeholders to make recommendations on potential market opportunities for wool products. A total of 45 submissions were received from a wide range of stakeholders. 

Following a competitive public procurement process, ‘The Agile Executive’ a consortium made up of experts from Munster Technological University and Donegal Yarns, was appointed in November 2021 to carry out the wool review and examine the submissions received under the public consultation process. 

In July 2022, the Programme for Government commitment was delivered with the publication of the Wool Review Report.  This report which was compiled independently by The Agile Executive, contained a number of findings and recommendations including potential funding streams, market opportunities and multiple areas for additional research and development for wool. 

One of the main recommendations was the establishment of an independent Wool Council led by industry which would develop and promote Irish wool domestically and internationally and bring together multiple stakeholders to foster collaboration, innovation and scaling activities in the wool sector. It is envisaged that this Council would be a forum where stakeholders can further examine and explore the potential uses for wool identified in the Wool Feasibility Study report. In support of this independent industry led Wool Council my department has committed to providing €30,000 in financial assistance towards the initial set-up costs. 

I am eager to see the formation of this stakeholder led Wool Council. It is my understanding that talks are ongoing between the relevant stakeholders in the wool industry and the first meeting of this stakeholder group is due to take place in the coming weeks.

It is my hope that this newly formed Council will use the findings of the wool review as a roadmap to develop pathways towards maximising the true potential of Irish wool into the future and to help drive increased returns for this great and sustainable product.