735. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the status of the bill to ban the importation of non-native honey bees, first introduced in 2021; the reasons for the delay in progressing the bill beyond Second Stage in Dáil Éireann for the past 16 months despite cross-party support in Seanad Éireann; and the measures, he intends to take to advance this legislation. [45216/26]

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