Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 July 2021
57. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the Irish or EU supports or grants that are available to Irish beekeepers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38166/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully acknowledge the important contribution bees make to agriculture and biodiversity as both pollinators and honey producers. In this regard, the Department provides a range of supports and initiatives to encourage and assist beekeepers and the national beekeeping associations. The 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.
The main financial support available to beekeepers is through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector, which includes support for beekeepers registered with the Department. It is a mechanism that can assist beekeepers invest in their apiaries and associated apiculture equipment for the future. The scheme is due to reopen for applications in October 2021. This Scheme is 100% funded by the Irish Government.
In addition, the Department also provides annual grants to Irish National Beekeepers associations to support members and branches to pursue the craft of beekeeping to the highest standards and to also inform the general public about the environmental role that bees play in maintaining Irish biodiversity and crop production.
Further support to the beekeeping sector in Ireland is provided through the National Apiculture Programme. This programme is co-funded by the Department and the EU and provides funding to carry out applied research for the Irish apiculture sector. The National Apiculture Programme was awarded to a suitable research institution to carry out research in the area. This research when concluded will be beneficial to many beekeepers in Ireland.
The Department has funded a number of studies under the Genetic Research Grant Aid Scheme looking at various aspects of honeybee species and specifically apis mellifera melliferra. In 2021, funding has been allocated for an innovative queen rearing project.
The Department also provides a bee health service, free of charge, facilitating the early detection of pests and pathogens which is key to maintaining healthy stock of bees in Ireland. This bee health service also operates the Sentinel Apiary Programme along with volunteer beekeepers throughout Ireland. The aim of the programme is to ensure the early detection of three exotic pests, Small Hive beetle (SHB), Tropilaelaps spp. and the Asian Hornet.
