ICSA Animal Health & Welfare chair John Barron has said that an increase in all compensation rates under the TB Eradication Programme must form part of any revised TB strategy. "Following the most recent TB Forum, where all stakeholders - including ICSA - put forward proposals aimed at reducing the current high levels of TB, we now await revised proposals from Minister Heydon. However, one thing is clear for ICSA: farmers cannot be left worse off under any new proposals," he said.

Continuing, Mr Barron said ICSA expects meaningful negotiations to follow once the Minister presents his proposals. "We are ready to engage constructively to develop a comprehensive plan to halt the rising incidence of TB, while ensuring that farmers are treated fairly.

First and foremost, the cap on valuations must be increased - from €3,000 to €5,000 for standard animals, and from €5,000 to €7,000 for pedigree animals. These outdated caps no longer reflect the true market value of quality stock, particularly high-value pedigree breeding animals.

In addition, the supplementary compensation supports, such as the Hardship Grant and Income Supplement, also need to be revised upwards. Inflation has severely eroded the value of these payments, and the current rates do not adequately protect farmers from the real financial losses suffered during a TB breakdown."

Mr Barron said consistency in the handling of TB breakdowns also remains a key issue for ICSA. "We need to see a uniform national approach. All Regional Veterinary Offices (RVOs) must implement agreed protocols consistently to ensure fairness and transparency around every breakdown, regardless of what county you are in."

ICSA is also demanding:

• A full review of, and proper resourcing for, the wildlife control programme
• Faster removal of reactors and rapid follow-up testing to ensure farms are not closed for longer than absolutely necessary
• Removal of inconclusive animals from herds - with full compensation, provided there are no other reactors - with the herd remaining open
• Pre-testing of breeding cows and bulls over 36 months, or confirmation they come from a recently tested herd (within six months)
• Removal of the post-movement testing requirement
• Additional testing for animals with three or more movements since they were last tested
• A dedicated AIM data system for contract rearers

Mr Barron said ICSA is firmly opposed to any proposal that would restrict the sale of cows out of the herd for three years following a breakdown, except to a factory or feedlot. "Such a measure would have a detrimental impact on the mart trade and prevent farmers from getting the best price for their stock. We will not accept proposals that shift more of the burden onto farmers without adequate compensation or support."