Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney has called for a review of TB compensation caps, warning that Clare farmers are being left seriously out of pocket as cattle prices continue to rise.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Cooney said farm families across Clare are facing major financial pressure due to the gap between Department compensation limits and the actual market value of animals lost to TB.
“Farmers in Clare are contacting me every week because they are losing thousands of euro compared to what they would receive on the open market,” Deputy Cooney said.
“Independent valuers appointed by the Department are valuing animals well above the current €3,000 ceiling. Farmers are losing real money through no fault of their own.”
Deputy Cooney raised the issue directly with Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon during a Dáil exchange on the Government’s TB eradication strategy.
He acknowledged the additional funding secured for the TB programme and welcomed the Minister’s commitment to tackling the disease, but said compensation rates are no longer keeping pace with reality on farms.
“The compensation values are totally outdated and do not reflect the true value of animals in 2026,” he said.
“We have seen other schemes reviewed where rising costs were recognised. Farmers affected by TB deserve the same fair treatment.”
Deputy Cooney said the financial strain is adding to the stress already facing families dealing with TB restrictions.
“The gap between compensation and market value is causing serious anxiety for farm families. Farmers should not be expected to subsidise a disease control programme through their own losses,” he said.
In response, Minister Heydon said he believes TB eradication is achievable and confirmed that Clare’s TB herd incidence rate has fallen over the past year. He also acknowledged the frustrations around compensation limits and said market prices continue to be monitored.
Deputy Cooney said the issue now needs urgent action.
“The compensation ceiling must be reviewed and linked to current market prices. Farmers need a fair deal.”