David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 321: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 514 of 3 May 2011, the further progress that has been made regarding the permission to use alternative products to treat varroa mites such as those licensed in other EU member states; if and when such products will be permitted for use here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16224/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The response to Parliamentary Question No. 514 of 3 May 2011 refers.

Currently, two products are authorised to control varroa in Irish honeybees.

Since the beginning of May, my Department has identified two more products that may be suitable for treating varroa mites in Ireland. One of these products is authorised in another EU Member State and the other is awaiting authorisation in an EU Member State.

My Department expects to be in a position to issue a special import licence permitting usage of at least one alternative product in this jurisdiction later this year, when the treatment against varroa is recommended.