Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 December 2025
391. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to examine a matter (details supplied) in respect of the importation of non-native honeybees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68855/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021 is a Private Members Bill that is currently before Dáil Éireann, Second Stage. The Bill seeks to ban the importation of non native honey bees. Progression of the Bill through Dáil Éireann is subject to the procedures of the Oireachtas.
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 in October 2023, a 12 month contract was signed with the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) 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. This process has recently concluded and is under consideration.
In relation to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red list (IUCN Red Lists) and classification updates, these are outside the direct remit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
