asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider introducing a scheme whereby he would make money available either by loan or grant to foster and develop a bee-keeping and honey industry in the Beara Peninsula, where, due to the plentiful heather, the location is ideal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bee-keeping.
A special scheme for the encouragement of bee-keeping in the Beara Peninsula and other Gaeltacht areas was initiated 12 years ago, and beehives, swarms and equipment were supplied to small holders at prices ranging from 50 per cent. to 75 per cent. of what they cost my Department. Replacement swarms continue to be supplied at about one-third of cost price and technical advice and preventive medicine for bee disease are provided free. Unfortunately bee disease took severe toll of the swarms and the situation was aggravated by extreme scarcity of sugar during the emergency period and a succession of inclement seasons. The disease position as regards bees generally throughout the country is unsatisfactory and I am having the problem examined at present to see what can be done to remedy the ravages of the past few years and to lay a sound foundation for the future.
Would the Minister be prepared to meet a deputation of people from the Beara peninsula who are interested in this proposition and discuss it further with them with a view to re-establishing the industry in Berehaven?
I am always at the disposal of my employers.