Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 19 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 5

Written Answers. - Departmental Bodies.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

144 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the composition and terms of reference of the valuer panel established to arbitrate on disputes in valuation of herds depopulated for animal disease. [5604/02]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh):

A panel of 64 valuers has been established under the on-farm market valuation scheme to carry out the live valuation of animals. The undertaking of valuations is the valuers' sole function and they are not involved in arbitrating in disputes.

However, the arrangements for the scheme provide for measures to resolve disputes including an appeal valuation and referral to an arbitration panel in cases where the appeal valuation is not accepted by either the farmer or the Department. The composition of the arbitration panel has recently been agreed and it will consist of an independent chairperson who is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, together with a representative nominated by the farm bodies and from my Department. The panel will be meeting shortly to determine the action to be taken in relation to the small number of cases awaiting consideration.