The Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021 which is a Private Members Bill is currently before Dáil Éireann, Second Stage.
The Bill seeks to ban the importation of non native honey bees. When the Bill was proceeding through the Seanad my Department raised some concerns in relation to imposing a statutory ban on the importation of non-native honey bees as it could constitute a restriction on trade under EU Regulations.
Following advice received from the Office of the Attorney General, my Department procured independent scientific evidence and a 12 month contract was signed with the National University of Ireland, Galway in October 2023 for the provision of research services on the native Irish honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera).
The research work concluded in December 2024 and the research report was subsequently evaluated by an external expert. Following the completion of the evaluation the research service provider (NUIG) was afforded the opportunity to respond to the evaluator’s comments.
Progression of the Bill through Dáil Éireann is subject to the procedures of the Oireachtas at which stage consideration will be given to publication of this research and the outcome of the evaluation.
I wish to reiterate my support for the important work beekeepers and all the beekeeping associations in Ireland do regarding the promotion and protection of Apis mellifera mellifera.
