67 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when he expects to provide a valuation purchase scheme for all reactor herds; his views on whether a farmer who has less than six reactors should be discriminated against; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5005/02]

Discussions with representatives from the farm bodies are ongoing on a number of issues relating to the on-farm market valuation scheme, including the full roll-out of the scheme.

I hope there will be a successful conclusion to these negotiations very soon. In that event I will arrange that from an early date the on-farm market valuation scheme will be available to cover all herd breakdown situations under the tuberculosis and brucellosis eradication schemes.