Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides a range of supports to beekeepers and their representative bodies in recognition of the important contribution bees make to agriculture and biodiversity.

The main financial support available to beekeepers is through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector. This scheme can assist registered beekeepers invest in apiaries and associated apiculture equipment. The scheme which is 100% funded by the Irish Government is due to reopen for applications in October 2022.

In addition, my Department also provides annual grants to Irish National Beekeepers associations to support members and branches to pursue the craft of beekeeping to the highest standard and to also inform the general public about the environmental role that bees play in maintaining biodiversity and crop production.

Further support to the beekeeping sector in Ireland is provided through the National Apiculture Programme. This programme is co-funded by the Department and the EU and provides funding to carry out applied research for the Irish apiculture sector which will be beneficial to many beekeepers in Ireland.

The Department has funded a number of studies under the Genetic Research Grant Aid Scheme looking at various aspects of honeybee species and specifically Apis mellifera mellifera.

The Department also provides a bee health service for beekeepers, free of charge, facilitating the early detection of pests and pathogens which is key to maintaining a healthy stock of bees in Ireland. The bee health service includes the operation of the Sentinel Apiary Programme along with volunteer beekeepers throughout Ireland. The aim of the programme is to ensure the early detection of three exotic pests, Small Hive beetle (SHB), Tropilaelapsspp. and the Asian Hornet.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The Varroa mite is one of the most serious concerns for honey bee health globally and is now endemic in Ireland. The National Apiculture Programme is co-funded by the Department and the EU and provides funding to carry out applied research for the Irish apiculture sector which will be beneficial to many beekeepers in Ireland. As part of the current National Apiculture Programme, research is being carried out to identify and combat pests and diseases, particularly Varroasis and alternative control treatments.

In addition, the Department provides a bee health service for beekeepers, free of charge, facilitating the early detection of pests and pathogens which is key to maintaining a healthy stock of bees in Ireland. The bee health service includes the operation of the Sentinel Apiary Programme along with volunteer beekeepers throughout Ireland. As part of the programme, volunteer beekeepers submit samples of hive debris, these are then analysed and provide the beekeeper with an estimation of the Varroa mite load in the colony.

The movement of bees within the Union is governed by Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (the Animal Health Law) which is supplemented by Commission Implementing and Delegated Regulations (Regulation (EU) 2020/688 and 2021/403). These EU regulations contain specific provisions to safeguard the health of bees located in the territory of the union. The importation of honeybees into Ireland is allowed under these Regulations and a statutory ban on non-native bee imports into Ireland may constitute a restriction on trade. My Department is seeking further advice on this issue.