Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
2446. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions his Department made in relation to reports of the importation of bees here from Italy (details supplied) to ensure that such importation does not result in the parallel importation of the small hive beetle which is prevalent in Italy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18338/21]
View answer2447. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action that has been taken by his Department to ensure that imported European strains will not interbreed with native bees affecting the unique biodiversity of Irish bees as was witnessed previously with the varroa mite given that Ireland has the purest remaining population of black bees in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18339/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2446 and 2447 together.
I 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 is also a partner in the All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021 – 2025 and is a member of the All-Ireland Honeybee Strategy Steering Group.
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. 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, including the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida).
