Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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64. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress that is being made by his Department to directly support the cost of shearing sheep and to present wool in optimum condition in order to facilitate further processing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11782/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Both I and the Government are fully committed to maintaining a viable sheep sector as an integral element of a balanced regional economy. Sheep farmers are hugely committed to producing a world-class, safe and sustainable product and the Government recognises that.

With regard to specific supports for wool production, I can confirm that I have allocated funding for the establishment of a stakeholder forum to develop and promote the industry.

An independent review of the Irish wool market was published in July 2022. It contained multiple findings and recommendations including potential funding streams, market opportunities for wool and identified areas for further research and development.

One of the main recommendations concerned the establishment of an industry-led Wool Council which would develop and promote Irish wool both domestically and internationally and bring together stakeholders to foster collaboration, innovation and scaling activities in the wool sector. In support of this, I have made a funding commitment of €30,000 towards the initial set-up costs of setting up an independent Wool Council.

The first meeting of parties, including farm bodies, wool merchants and industry representatives, interested in forming the Wool Council took place on 15th December 2022. The funding committed will be available for drawdown once the Wool Council is established.

Wool is a tremendous product. It is sustainable, durable and versatile. I hope that the Wool Council will help plot a path to help drive further added value for wool.