Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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2486. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on recent reports that up to 15 million bees from Italy may be released in Northern Ireland later in April 2021; if he has been in contact with beekeepers across the country who are very concerned at this proposed release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19045/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I fully acknowledge the important contribution bees make to agriculture and biodiversity as both pollinators and honey producers. In this regard, my Department provides a range of supports and initiatives to encourage and assist beekeepers and the national beekeeping associations. These supports include funding to carry out applied research through the National Apiculture Programme, grants to national beekeeping associations, grants under the Genetic Research Grant Aid Scheme and grant aid to fund capital investments for beekeepers. My Department is also a partner in the All Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021 – 2025 and is a member of the All-Ireland Honeybee Strategy Steering Group.

In relation to the importation of honeybees into Ireland, this is allowed under regulations governing intra-Community trade with other EU Member States. The specific health requirements for trading in bees are laid out in Council Directive 92/65/EEC. All imports of bees must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the country of export. This is to ensure that imported bees are healthy and do not harbour pathogens or parasites that may be harmful to our native bee stocks.

My Department liaises on an ongoing basis with the three National Bee Associations that represent beekeepers in Ireland, The Federation of Irish Beekeepers’ Associations, Irish Beekeepers Association and The Native Irish Honeybee Society in relation to all matters that may concern beekeepers.