Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021

Public bill · Private Member · Introduced

A ban would be placed on bringing non-native honey bees into Ireland, or keeping bees that were brought in illegally, to help protect the native Irish honey bee and the wider environment. The Minister could appoint authorised officers, along with Gardaí and Customs officers, to inspect premises, vehicles and documents, take samples, and seize evidence where needed. Obstructing officers, giving false information, or forging or holding forged animal health certificates would be offences, with fines and possible prison terms. The aim is to prevent foreign bees from mixing with the native strain and to reduce damage to biodiversity.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to ban the importation of non-native honey bees with the aim of reducing the threat to and adverse impact upon biodiversity and the ecosystem arising from the introgression/crossing/cross-breeding of the native Irish Honey Bee, Apis mellifera mellifera, due to the importation of non-native species or sub-species of and/or strains derived from Apis mellifera and to provide for the appointment of authorised officers; to make it an offence to forge an animal health certificate; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 2 May 2025