Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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1425. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ban the import of non-native honey bees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58368/25]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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The movement of bees within the European 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.

The Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021 which is a Private Members Bill is currently before Dáil Éireann, Second Stage. The Bill seeks to ban the importation of non native honey bees. Progression of the Bill through Dáil Éireann is subject to the procedures of the Oireachtas.

When the Bill was proceeding through the Seanad my Department raised some concerns in relation to imposing a statutory ban on the importation of non-native honey bees as it could constitute a restriction on trade under EU Regulations.

Following advice received from the Office of the Attorney General, my Department procured independent scientific evidence and in October 2023, a 12 month contract was signed with the National University of Ireland, Galway for the provision of research services on the native Irish honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera).

The research work concluded in December 2024, and the research report was subsequently evaluated by an external expert. Following the completion of the evaluation the research service provider (NUIG) was afforded the opportunity to respond to the evaluator’s comments. This process has recently concluded and is under consideration.