Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
814. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the action he and his Department will take to prevent the tropilaelaps mite from entering Ireland by way of importing honeybees which would have a devastating effect on the native Irish honey bee population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37585/26]
View answerEU Animal Health Regulations set down rules for the entry of bees into and movement within the EU. The Regulations contain specific provisions to safeguard the health of bees located in the territory of the Union, including safeguarding against the tropilaelaps mite.
To date, the tropilaelaps mite has not been reported in Ireland. Nevertheless, my Department is aware of the increasing threat posed to the beekeeping sector by this pest and is closely monitoring the situation.
Furthermore, my Department engaged with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland to enhance biosecurity readiness, and participated in a bee health contingency test exercise for the tropilaelaps mite and the small hive beetle held in conjunction with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute in February 2024.
My Department operates the Sentinel Apiary Programme the aim of which is to ensure the early detection of two exotic pests, Small Hive Beetle and Tropilaelaps spp. The 2026 programme is due to commence shortly and anyone interested in participating in the programme for 2026 can contact Beekeeping@agriculture.gov.ie for further information.
