The government’s decision to gift items made of 60% Irish wool and blended with 40% New Zealand wool as part of its international St. Patrick’s Day programme has been described as a “missed opportunity” by a TD.
This year 38 government ministers and representatives of the State are engaged in an “extensive international programme to promote Ireland” across 86 cities in 48 countries.
As part of this programme several Irish ministers and senators will gift woollen blankets and scarves to various dignitaries in the countries that they are visiting.
According to member Chris Weiniger, general manager of Donegal Yarns and a member of the Irish Grown Wool Council the St Patrick’s Day programme is a “significant opportunity” for the sector.
The throws and scarves that will be gifted as part of the programme have been knitted using Irish heather yarn from Donegal Yarns, “which has 60% fine Irish wool sourced from farms across the island of Ireland, blended with 40% New Zealand wool”.
However the Sinn Féin spokesperson on agriculture, Claire Kerrane, said today (Thursday, March 14) that she believes the government has “missed an opportunity” as part of the St. Patrick’s Day programme.
Deputy Kerrane said: “On the face of it the campaign is positive in terms of showcasing the Irish wool sector by gifting blankets and scarves from the island – something which Ireland is known for internationally.
“We have a rich history of producing wool and woollen products, and that is something we should display proudly.
“However, it appears that the wool that is being used to gift these items is made from 40% New Zealand wool.”
Irish wool
According to the Sinn Féin spokesperson on agriculture she appreciates that yarn blends “vary for clothing items” and that the company which produces the yarn, which has been used, is Irish.
Deputy Kerrane added: “However, the reality is the government has missed an opportunity to gift items which are made completely with wool sourced from the island. It is disingenuous to represent the wool used as Irish when it is not entirely.
“I know from engaging with groups such as the Galway Wool Co-op that the use of wool sources from overseas is really disheartening, particularly when they are working so hard to reinvigorate and build the Irish wool sector”.