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Beekeeping Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 November 2012

Wednesday, 7 November 2012

Ceisteanna (184)

James Bannon

Ceist:

184. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the research he is conducting on the means by which honey bees are exposed to agricultural pesticides; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49021/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

To date the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has not commissioned any research directly into the exposure of Irish honeybees to pesticides. However since 2008 Ireland has participated in the COLOSS Research Network which is investigating possible causes of honeybee colony mortality worldwide. This network involves a collaboration of researchers from over 50 countries using standardised research methods to provide directly comparable results. Ireland’s first comprehensive survey on colony losses for COLOSS took place over the winter of 2008-2009. Since then the survey has been repeated annually. Participation in the COLOSS network forms part of Ireland’s National Apiculture Programme which is currently conducted by University of Limerick in conjunction with Teagasc. Ireland’s National Apiculture Programme is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with 50% co-funding provided by the EU Commission.

As part of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s pesticide registration process the effect on honeybee health as well as the wider ecosystem is considered before any decision is made to permit the use of a pesticide in Ireland.

Pesticides and especially insecticides can have a negative impact on honeybee mortality, however the presence of the varroa mite and its associated viruses are considered to be to be the most significant cause of colony weakening / mortality.

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