A local TD has called for the Department of Agriculture to examine the compensation paid to farmers who have to cull animals after an outbreak of a disease.
Fine Gael TD, David Maxwell, raised the issue with the Minister for Agriculture in the Dáil last week (Thursday, January 29th).
Deputy Maxwell highlighted the financial and mental toll that an outbreak of disease, such as TB or birdflu, can have for farmers.
He explained that famers are losing out, because the standard compensation payment is €3,100 for most cattle.
However, some farmers who have cattle worth more than that, are making a loss.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Deputy Maxwell said he is hopeful that something can be done.
Deputy Maxwell said: "I heard a story last week, a farmer reckoned his animal was worth close to €5,000, and he just got the standard payment.
"I asked the minister last week, could we look at a scheme where, when prices go up in the marts, and they're there for so many months, that the compensation could increase.
"As we know prices could fall, we can't put the prices up and be paying more. I asked him would he look at it, and [the minister] came back and said that they are spending a considerable amount of money on TB reactors, he said he would look at it.
"I'm hopeful that maybe something can be done," he added.
