Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 May 2006
90 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the funding provided by her Department for the control of varroa in bees; the funding available to beekeepers to control the mite in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18777/06]
View answerFunding for research into the control of Varroa in honey bees has been the main element of my Department's apiculture programme.
From 2002 to 2005, a total of €195,996 was provided to Teagasc towards the development of integrated biological control methods under Irish conditions. Expenditure of a further €150,000 has been approved for 2006 and 2007 for this research programme. The programme, which was drawn up in close collaboration with the Federation of Irish Beekeepers Associations, is aimed at devising an integrated management strategy involving the use of chemical and biotechnical methods and the deployment of Varroa resistant bees. The programme is 50% co-funded by the EU. No funding is provided to individual beekeepers.
My Department has also given financial support towards updating the Teagasc booklet entitled 'The Varroa Mite in honeybees'. This publication provides useful reference material for beekeepers on Varroa detection, monitoring, control and treatment.
