Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1032. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to restrict the importation of non-native sub-species, hybrid honeybees and queens into the State; what strategies are being devised to protect the Irish honey business and keep the native species free from disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12758/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe movement of bees within the Union is governed by Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (the Animal Health Law) which is supplemented by Commission Implementing and Delegated Regulations (Regulation (EU) 2020/688 and 2021/403). These EU regulations contain specific provisions to safeguard the health of bees located in the territory of the Union. The importation of honeybees into Ireland is allowed under these Regulations and a statutory ban on non-native bee imports into Ireland may constitute a restriction on trade.
Import data from the past three years shows a decline in the number of honey bees imported into Ireland from 1285 in 2021 to 388 in 2023.
In October 2023 my Department entered into a 12 month research contract with the National University of Ireland, Galway to provide an independent scientific assessment to investigate the threat to and adverse impact upon biodiversity and the ecosystem arising from the introgression/crossing/cross-breeding of the native Irish Honey Bee, Apis mellifera mellifera with non-native species or sub-species of and/or strains derived from Apis mellifera imported to Ireland. It is important that this work concludes before deciding whether or not to introduce legislation banning the importation of non-native honey bees into Ireland.
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 provides a bee health service, free of charge, which facilitates the early detection of pests and pathogens which is key to maintaining healthy stock of bees in Ireland. My Department 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.
