Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2017
680. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all valuers that are on his Department's approved list of valuers in respect of the depopulation of part or full herds due to disease are experienced in the cattle trade and in the sale and purchase of animals and up to date with livestock valuations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11378/17]
View answerFollowing a competitive tender process, my department issued contracts to 73 valuers from 1 November 2016. Tenders were evaluated on the technical and professional abilities identified by the candidates in their application, and on a demonstration of their expertise in the area of bovine livestock evaluation and assessment. Valuers also undertook training before the start of their contract and are required under the Terms and Conditions of their contract to keep up to date with market prices and trends in livestock breeding. I am satisfied that all these factors combine to ensure that valuers are qualified to carry out their role under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme.
