Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

The two products that are currently authorised for the control of varroa in Ireland are Apiguard and Bayvarol. There are two alternative products which are oxalic acid based. One is Api-Bioxal, which is at its final stages of the authorisation process in Italy and is expected to be authorised shortly. That is the one we think is most suitable for Ireland and which we are anxious to get here as quickly as possible.

I was listening to media coverage of the bee industry on RTE Radio One last night. It was mentioned that we spend €9 million each year on imported honey while food producers are willing to buy up all the honey produced in this country. Budding entrepreneurs should know that the honey industry is one to be in. The demand for honey is growing and there is not enough home-grown product.

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