Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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381. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline the State's strategy on the way in which to ensure the collection and sustainable use of sheep wool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52911/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The collection of sheep wool is a commercial arrangement between the sheep farmer and the merchant. My Department does not have a role in collecting wool, or the usage of wool once collected. The Programme for Government commits to supporting the work of the Irish Grown Wool Council under the remit of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.

In 2023, following a review of the Irish wool sector which was funded by my Department, the Irish Grown Wool Council was launched. Its vision is to bring wool stakeholders across the Island of Ireland together to realise the potential of wool as a natural, sustainable, and versatile material; build on wool’s rich heritage to enhance understanding and appreciation of the characteristics of Irish grown wool; and, facilitate collaboration in product/market research - ultimately applying innovative product solutions to address current challenges and create future opportunities.

As the Irish Grown Wool Council is an independent body with an all-Island remit, which holds an Annual General Meeting to report back to its stakeholders, I have no role in the oversight or accountability of this body.