Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support this Bill and commend Senator Martin for initiating this legislation that, as the Cathaoirleach said, has generated cross-party support. I acknowledge also the presentation this morning and the briefing in the AV room, which was informative and well-attended. There were many valuable contributions in the field, both legal and those involved in beekeeping.

I will be brief in my comments. I absolutely support this initiative. It is not often you see 90% support among a group of individuals, in this case beekeepers, on a policy initiative. There is some opposition and that is to be expected and respected and we should work with those individuals as well. The Bill has not taken a heavy-handed approach to existing hives in the country. Working with those individuals is a better way to go. I mention some of the issues here. If you are talking about a hive or a brood that is a larger structure, if you like. It is not as easy to hide. An individual queen or a small number of them could be more easily hidden. That would be the concern with the implementation of this legislation and the sourcing of such queens, which, as I said, can be stored in small boxes. I do not know how they would be transported but they are small. It is not an elephant. In fact it is the opposite. It is about how this can realistically be instigated. How non-native bees could be found is my concern.

Overall, there is much work to be done continuously on education about the importance of bees. I am aware many groups do important work on this but more is needed on the important role the bee plays across our country, countryside and ecosystems. I commend all involved in this legislation and supporting it. I hope to see it advance to Committee Stage and go to the other House as soon as possible.