Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
398. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to give favourable consideration to a TB valuation appeal in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33482/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe On Farm Market Valuation scheme provides compensation to affected herdowners up to the market value that each individual animal would have attained on the open market had it not been affected by disease, subject to scheme ceilings.
When a herd goes down with TB, the herdowner selects a valuer from an independent panel of livestock experts who visit the holding to value the animals on farm using up to date market values. Each week my Department issues ‘Summary Market Prices’ which are compiled of sales data collected nationally from marts by my Department and accurately reflect current values for each category of animal, ensuring that affected farmers receive appropriate value for their animal(s).
My Department does not have any role or influence in the process of valuing animals under the scheme, this process is wholly independent. My Department is given the right to appeal valuations just as affected herdowner/keepers have such a right.
The On-Farm Market Value arbitration process is used when a herdowner or my Department disagree with the appeal valuation of the animals that are due to be removed because of TB. An independent expert panel will review the case and decide on the final value.
Whichever party rejected the appeal valuation may subsequently choose not to proceed with arbitration. Payment of OFMV will then be made on the basis of the appeal valuation (subject to the other party having accepted the appeal valuation).
In the case referred to, the 1st Valuation for four animals was carried out on the 30/05/2025. This valuation was rejected by my Department. The animals then received a 2nd valuation on 12/06/2025. This 2nd valuation was rejected by the herdowner which resulted in the case going to arbitration.
The case was heard at arbitration on the 9th of December 2025 to have a valuation pursuant to the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme determined by the Arbitration Panel.
The panel is constrained by the terms and conditions of the scheme which provides that the compensation payable is the market value of the animals subject to the scheme ceilings.
In light of the above, the panel found that the market value of the four animals in reference, taking into account the scheme ceilings which apply, to be €15,850.
The herdowner was informed of this decision by the panel and outstanding OFMV payments have been completed.
Arbitrations are conducted pursuant to the Arbitration Acts, 1954 to 1998 as amended, with the decision of the Arbitration Panel final and binding on both parties.
