Vol. 532 No. 1
114 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason a person (details supplied) in County Limerick was not considered suitable for the position of livestock valuer as the letter of refusal indicated he did not satisfy the criteria; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the advertisement for the position did not specify the criteria requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6536/01]
The advertisement placed in the national press last September seeking applications for the panel of valuers indicated that valuations would be undertaken by "suitably qualified persons who are available to carry out live valuations on all types of bovine animals". More than 600 applications were received by the closing deadline of 29 September 2000. All of these written applications were fully considered by my Department. From the total number that applied, approximately 100 were shortlisted for interview based on their previous experience and involvement in the live valuation of animals. Other applicants, including the person indicated, have been notified that they were unsuccessful with their application.
