Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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422. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify whether there is a requirement to seek permission from his Department to import non-native honeybees; and if so, the number of imports that have been granted in the past three years to date. [44782/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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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.

All imports of bees to Ireland must be notified to my Department using an ‘Advance Notice of Importation Form’ at least 24 hours before the consignment’s arrival in the Republic of Ireland. A Health Certificate issued by the Competent Authority of the exporting country of origin must also accompany each consignment of bees.