Vol. 531 No. 3
174 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of people he has appointed to value and buy on his behalf TB and brucellosis reactor cattle; if he is satisfied that sufficient personnel are available to make sure that animals are removed at the earliest date possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5852/01]
The panel of valuers for the new on-farm market valuation scheme, which is being introduced on a phased basis, at present comprises 25 suitably qualified persons. This number will increase significantly over the coming week as all the necessary selection procedures are finalised for those chosen from recent interviews. I am satisfied that sufficient valuers are being appointed to deal with the phased introduction of the scheme.
