2478. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will publish the report commissioned by his Department in Galway University on the native Irish honeybee (apis mellifera); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54793/26]

2479. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will advance legislation on the Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021 (apis mellifera) [54794/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2478 and 2479 together.

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.

Following legal advice in relation to the Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021, my Department procured independent scientific evidence and in October 2023, a 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 was afforded the opportunity to respond to the evaluator’s comments. My Department is currently finalising the overall response to the report.