Louth Senator calls for progress report on the establishment of the wool council of Ireland 

Fianna Fáil Senator for Louth, Erin McGreehan has called for a progress report on the establishment of the wool council of Ireland. 

During a debate in Seanad Eireann, Senator McGreehan asked Minister for State Pippa Hackett for an update and actions taken by the department since the full feasibility study was published last July and for an update on the establishment of the Irish wool council.

During the debate the North Louth senator described the clear benefits of wool.

 “It is one of the most regenerative and sustainable products. Wool can act as a fertilizer by releasing nutrients and carbon back into the soil. When disposed of it doesn't accumulate in landfill or oceans as it biodegrades naturally", Senator McGreehan said.

 McGreehan stressed that it is wrong that farmers are getting nothing in return for this product.

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 “It is merely a sheep welfare issue and it costs the farmer to shear the sheep.

"At one time wool was seen as a valuable commodity and sheep farmers were rewarded for this and would ensure that every scrap of wool was collected. 

 “There is a short-term way to support farmers and that could be making an additional payment under the new Sheep Improvement Scheme specifically to assist farmers with the costs associated with shearing and handling wool and sorting out daggings and bagging wool in an appropriate clean way which has to be done for the wool merchant.

"This would be a real positive opportunity to assist and to support farmers.”

Minister Hackett responded by saying she was “pleased to inform the house that a group of stakeholders from across the whole industry have taken the initial steps towards the formation of the whole council, and my officials and I have been engaging with farm organisations will form a part of the Wool Council along with other stakeholders.”

The Minister also confirmed during the debate that the first meeting of the stakeholders to establish the new Wool Council will take place next month.