Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1949. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has taken to designate the native black bee as a protected species and to stop the importation of other bees whose existence in Ireland will undermine the redevelopment of native honeybees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14119/21]
View answerI fully acknowledge the important contribution bees make to agriculture and biodiversity as both pollinators and honey producers. In this regard, my Department provides a range of supports and initiatives to encourage and assist beekeepers and the national beekeeping associations. These supports include funding to carry out applied research through the National Apiculture Programme, grants to national beekeeping associations and grant aid to fund capital investments for beekeepers.
My Department has funded a number of studies under the Genetic Research Grant Aid Scheme looking at various aspects of this honeybee species and specifically apis mellifera melliferra. In 2021, funding has been allocated for an innovative queen rearing project. My Department also supports the work of the Native Irish Honey Bee Society.
Regarding designation as a protected species, honeybees are not listed under the EU habitats directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) which lists the most endangered species across the EU.
In relation to the importation of honeybees into Ireland, this is allowed under regulations governing intra-Community trade with other EU Member States. The specific health requirements for trading in bees are laid out in Council Directive 92/65/EEC. All imports of bees must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the country of export. The reason for this is to ensure that imported bees are healthy and do not harbour pathogens or parasites that may be harmful to our native bee stocks.
