Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
119. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on the work of the wool council; the actions it has undertaken; and if he would consider the creation of a wool payment for farmers. [35483/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department previously commissioned an independent in-depth study of the Irish wool market called Review Of Market Opportunities For Irish-Grown Wool Based Products, which was published in 2022.
Following publication of the report, my Department allocated €30,000 in seed funding to support the establishment of a wool council. The independent Irish Grown Wool Council was established in April 2023, this Council is an independent body which does not come under the aegis of my Department nor does the Council report to me.
In the current Programme for Government, there are further commitments to support the Irish Grown Wool Council to explore initiatives to promote Irelands design and fashion scene.
My Department is subsidising sheep shearing under the 2026 National Sheep Welfare Scheme, which has attracted almost 17,000 applicants and to date has paid out €7.3m.
The inclusion of the shearing action in the scheme is an animal welfare measure that will also incentivise sheep farmers to present wool in the best possible condition at the farmgate which will add value to their wool.
In addition, farmers in the sheep sector are supported by a strong price profile of sheep meat, which forecasts for 2026 indicated will remain high but not at the record 2024 prices.
