The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is being urged to revise the compensation caps for cattle culled due to TB.

Independent MEP for Ireland South, Michael McNamara has warned that the "current limits are outdated, and leave farmers exposed to major financial losses".

He added that the scheme no longer "reflects the reality of today’s market".

The principal compensation measure for farmers who experience a TB breakdown is the On-Farm Market Valuation Scheme.

"Farmers are facing losses into the thousands on high-value animals culled through no fault of their own," McNamara said.

"The €3,000 cap was agreed in a different era, but as the market has moved, so must the compensation scheme."

McNamara noted calls from farming organisations, who have said that the compensation system is no longer fair or sustainable.

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA), for example, has proposed raising the standard cap to €5,000 from €3,000, and the pedigree cap to €7,000 from €5,000 to better reflect market values.

“At a time when farmers are being asked to do more for animal health, biodiversity, and sustainability, the least the state can do is ensure they are not left out of pocket when TB strikes,” McNamara said.

“We need a fair system that works for today’s market valuations.”

In a letter to Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon this week, McNamara called for: an immediate review of compensation caps; nationwide consistency in how valuations and compensation are applied by veterinary offices; a scheduled review mechanism; and structured engagement with farming organisations from the department.

“Failing to adjust compensation exposes farmers to heavy losses for events outside their control and risks undermining confidence in the TB programme," McNamara said.

"At a time of record prices, now is the moment to ensure the system remains fair, sustainable, and credible."