Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1437. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if grant aid is available for the preservation of honey bees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36480/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department provides a range of supports to the bee sector. The 2019 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector provided grants to support the activities of beekeepers including towards capital investments in specialised buildings and equipment for the beekeeping sector.

My Department also provides some support for beekeeping though the national Scheme for the Conservation of Genetic Resources where the focus is on conserving native bees.

In addition, the Department also provides an annual grant to the National beekeeping federations to pursue the craft of beekeeping to the highest standards and also to inform the general public about the environmental role that bees play in maintaining Irish biodiversity and crop production.