Call for grant aid for beekeepers

THERE are no funds available to assist beekeepers with the cost of restocking following the loss of bees and equipment to Varroa disease.

Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan revealed this in a written reply to a Dáil question by Waterford Labour TD Brian O’Shea.

Mr O’Shea had asked the minister to detail the State assistance provided for beekeepers who suffered major setbacks since the arrival of the Varroa mite here in 1998.

Ms Coughlan explained that when Varroa was first identified in Ireland, infected stocks and those in surrounding areas were destroyed in a bid to contain and eradicate the disease. In 1998 and 1999 a total of €30,000 was paid in compensation to affected beekeepers by her department.

However, Varroa has become widespread throughout the country since then and a policy of continuous monitoring, control and treatment is now recommended to beekeepers.

Mr O’Shea also asked the minister to outline the proposals she has to provide grant aid for honey production.

He said other EU states provide grant aid.

Ms Coughlan said 1,775 tonnes of honey was imported into Ireland last year, compared to 250 tonnes produced by Irish beekeepers.

A scheme for capital investment in the commercial horticultural sector is operated by her department and two beekeepers have been approved for grant aid under the current round of the scheme, she said.