Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 429: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the provision of incentives to encourage the production of honey in view of the lucrative market for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21001/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The State provides incentives and support for the beekeeping sector through a number of different means. The National Apiculture Programme is a 3-year research programme, running to August 2013, with a budget of €300,000. This is 50:50 co-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the EU. This research is being carried out by the University of Limerick in conjunction with Teagasc and is largely focused on the varroa mite which is the most significant pest affecting honeybees in Ireland.

The National Apiculture Programme directly benefits all Irish beekeepers as it facilitates research under Irish weather conditions using Irish bees (Apis Melifera Melifera). In addition there is a very strong focus on dissemination of the programme's findings to beekeepers in an effort to improve bee health. Teagasc continues to provide support for beekeepers through their bee disease diagnostic / advisory service.

My Department also provides funding to the beekeeping sector under the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector. This is a competitive grant aid scheme that provides grant aid (up to 50% of approved costs) for approved capital investments in the commercial horticulture sector; this includes investments associated with bee breeding facilities and honey production. My Department provides an annual grant to the Federation of Irish Beekeepers' Association to assist their work in promoting the development of the beekeeping sector and also provides support for the sector though the Scheme for the Conservation of Genetic Resources.

My Department estimates the value and production of honey during the last 3 years as follows:

Weather conditions have a major impact on the bees' foraging activity and, as a consequence, on honey production. The poor summer weather in 2008 and 2009 meant these years were particularly difficult for beekeeping.