Written answers

Tuesday, 17 June 2008

Department of Agriculture and Food

Wildlife Conservation

11:00 pm

Photo of Seán SherlockSeán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 619: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department has been monitoring the bee population here; if he is satisfied that a decline in the annual colony figures is not being experienced; the number of registered colonies here compared to the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23592/08]

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Beekeepers are required to register with my Department as primary producers of honey under the legislation on the hygiene of foodstuffs but there is no requirement to register bee colonies.

There are a number of pests and diseases that may lead to colony collapse, in particular the Varroa mite, which is now endemic across Europe including Ireland. It spread in the south-west in recent seasons. My Department is currently co-funding (with the EU) a research programme on integrated methods of varroa control. This programme is due for completion in August 2010. Teagasc provides an advisory and disease diagnostic service for beekeepers; information on this service is available from local Teagasc offices.

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