Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the legislation in place with regard to the keeping of bees and beehives and in particular empty beehives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20024/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Under the European Communities (Food and Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 910 of 2005), which give effect to Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin, primary producers of honey are required to register with my Department and to comply with rules on hygiene and record keeping. There are no specific requirements in relation to empty beehives. My Department is also responsible for the national and EU legislation relating to bee diseases and trade in bees between Member States and from third countries.