Following legal advice in relation to the Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021, my Department sought tenders for research services on the native Irish honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera). The tender sought independent scientific evidence in the form of a comprehensive assessment of the threat to the Native Irish honey bee Apis mellifera mellifera and the impact upon biodiversity and the ecosystem from the introgression/crossing/cross-breeding of the native Irish Honey Bee, with non-native species or sub-species of and/or strains derived from Apis mellifera imported to Ireland.
In October 2023, a 12-month contract was signed with the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) for the provision of these research services. 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 and these comments were received in September 2025. My Department is currently finalising the overall response to the report.
Trade in bees is permitted and governed by EU law. EU Animal Health Regulations set down rules for entry of bees into and movement within the EU. These EU Regulations contain specific provisions to safeguard the health of bees located in the territory of the Union.
My Department is very supportive of beekeepers and beekeeping associations in their efforts in the conservation of the native Irish honey bee. The Annual Grants to Irish National Beekeepers Federations which is Exchequer funded provides an annual grant to the four Irish National Beekeepers Federations. In 2025, the four national beekeeping federations received a total of €25,500 through this measure for initiatives, including the conservation of the native Irish honey bee.
My Department also provides funding under Conservation of Plant and Animal Genetic Resources Scheme. The Native Irish Honey Bee Society (NIHBS) received funding in 2021 and 2024 under this scheme for projects related to the conservation of the native Irish honey bee and their application under the 2026 Scheme has also been approved.
My Department also supports Irish beekeeping through the provision of grant aid for capital investments by individual beekeepers in specialised beekeeping related equipment and structures including specialised bee breeding equipment. In addition, €121,000 was paid out under the National Apiculture Programme (NAP) in 2025 to support beekeeping through an approved applied research project.
