I refer to the commitment on page 109 of the programme for Government to protect farm incomes. My question concerns hardship payments to farmers whose stock could be locked up owing to the presence of TB and who are waiting for various veterinary inspections to be carried out. The 60-day rule applies in the summer, as well as in the winter. We have had 18 months of bad weather. In response to queries to my office I ask the Minister to consider pulling back the waiting time from 60 days to 30 or even less.

I appreciate the difficulties a TB outbreak can bring in terms of farm income. The current scheme has been designed to recognise such challenges and reflects how the Department might respond in the most appropriate way. I do not have any plan on my desk to immediately review the structure of the scheme, but I will take on board the Deputy's observations. I engage regularly with the farm organisations on these matters and will keep the matter under review.