Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank my colleague, Senator Ahearn, for offering to share time. As the Acting Chairperson said, it was not necessary.

I welcome our colleague from the Seanad, the Minister of State, to the House. It is apt that she should take the debate on this legislation.

I congratulate my great friend, colleague and neighbour from home, Senator Martin, on introducing the Bill and, in his inimitable way, achieving unanimity on it among the parties and Independents. That is a testament not only to his sincerity and competence, but also his skills in mediation and organisation. I salute him for that and for this legislation.

The Bill is worthy. I was busy today, but I watched on my monitor as our colleague, Senator Boylan, whom I understand has a level of expertise in this area, made the apt point that the Department was now being presented with incontrovertible evidence on the science behind the need to preserve our native bee - the black bee - and the legal frameworks within European law. The science is established and the legal situation has been well established by the best of legal experts. Well-known and published people on European, international law and commercial law have stated that this Bill will pass muster legally, although that is a secondary consideration.

From the point of view of biodiversity, the preservation of this important and indigenous species of bee and our honey production industry, there is a case for this legislation. I might not be able to stay and listen to him - he will not mind, as I will be able to read it in the Official Report - but I would like Senator Martin to answer a question for me. I understand that they are few in number, but how will we deal with those who are importing non-indigenous bees and stand to make a certain level of commercial loss under this Bill? If I understand the matter correctly, they would be phased into the new situation, but there might have to be some compensation for them, especially if they have employees. It is important that the Senator comment on this matter and that the Minister of State respond.