Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
105. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made to date on the proposed native Irish honey bee Bill 2021; the current status of engagement with beekeeping organisations, environmental groups and scientific experts on the legislation; the timeline envisaged for publication and enactment of the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35735/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021, which seeks to ban the importation of non-native honey bees, is a Private Members Bill and is currently before Dáil Éireann, Second Stage. Progression of the Bill through Dáil Éireann is subject to the procedures of the Oireachtas.
Following advice from the Office of the Attorney General, my Department procured independent scientific evidence and in October 2023, a contract was signed with the National University of Ireland, Galway 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 was afforded the opportunity to respond to the evaluator’s comments and these comments were received in September 2025. My Department is currently finalising the overall response to the report.
My Department engages regularly with the beekeeping organisations. One of the requirements of the Annual Grants to Irish National Beekeepers Federations scheme is that my Department and the four respective beekeepers federations meet on a regular basis to discuss any issues arising. My Department also participates in events/meetings organised by various beekeeping associations.
