Written answers
Thursday, 26 October 2023
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Departmental Bodies
Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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78. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 10 of 13 July 2023, if he will provide an update on the work of the wool council; if the €30,000 in departmental funding has been drawn down to date; the plans to provide additional funding or support to the wool council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46983/23]
Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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On the fifth of April 2023, over 50 stakeholders from the wool sector in both Ireland and Northern launched the all-island Irish Grown Wool Council. Members of the council were selected from a wide range of interests within the wool sector, including farmers; wool merchants; sheep shearers; educators; designers; crafters; as well as industry representatives and farming organisations. Department officials also attended the launch meeting to observe the process.
My Department has been in contact with the Council and have been informed that the next meeting will take place on the 27 October 2023.
Although my Department has committed the €30,000 in seed funding, which I understand has yet to be drawn down, the Irish Grown Wool Council is an independent body with members from both sides of the border. My Department does not have a seat on the council as it is an independent body and does not report to me.
Over time the council aims to promote wool as a natural, sustainable and versatile material. Its objectives are to improve the quality of Irish-farmed wool and to facilitate collaboration in product development and market research.
The deputy can obtain details of the Irish Grown Wool Council directly by contacting irishgrownwoolcouncil@gmail.com.
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