Vol. 524 No. 2
192 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of persons to be recruited on to the panel of livestock valuers; if there will be an interview process for the selection of such personnel; the way in which they are to be remunerated; and if they will be selected by individual farmers or nominated by his Department. [21895/00]
Following advertisements in the farming press, approximately 600 applications were received by my Department by the deadline of 29 September 2000 from individuals seeking to be included in the proposed panel of valuers to be used for carrying out on-farm valuations of bovine animals under the TB and brucellosis eradication schemes.
My Department is currently examining the applications with a view to determining the composition of the proposed panel of valuers. The selection process may include interviews.
The rates payable for the proposed valuations were detailed on the application form, a copy of which is being sent to the Deputy for his information. The arrangements in relation to the operation of the panel are being discussed with the farming organisations.
