Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1322. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on the work of the Wool Council; to outline its terms of reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38839/23]
View answerUnder the Programme for Government I undertook a review of the potential demand in domestic and international markets for wool and wool-based products and I delivered on this Programme for Government commitment with the publication of the Wool Review Report in July 2022.
The main recommendation of the Wool Review Report was that an independent Wool Council led by industry would be established. This independent Council 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.
The Irish Grown Wool Council was formed on 5 April 2023 and is an independent stakeholder-led Council. Members of the Council represent a wide range of different industries and interests from within the wool sector including educators, designers, crafters, farmers, wool merchants, sheep shearers as well as industry representatives and farming organisations.
The Irish Grown Wool Council's aim is to "Bring Wool stakeholders across the island of Ireland together to realise the potential of Irish Grown Wool as a natural, sustainable and versatile material, by building on its rich heritage, enhancing the understanding and appreciation of the characteristics of Irish grown wool, improving the quality and sustainability of Irish farmed wool, facilitating collaboration in product and market research and ultimately applying innovative product solutions."
The Wool Council intends to "Promote an Irish Grown Wool Brand both domestically and internationally. It is empowered to create and oversee structures designed to bring disparate groups together for collaboration, innovation and scaling activities.
The Council also established a Wool Research and Innovation Hub which is led by the Circular Bio-economy Cluster Southwest at MTU with members from a number of different Higher Education Institutions. The stated purpose of the Wool Research and Innovation Hub is "to bridge the gap between idea and execution through new product research and innovation, enhancing the perceived value of Irish wool
Further details regarding the Irish Grown Wool Council can be obtained directly from the Council by contacting irishgrownwoolcouncil@gmail.com.
