Hi, TMFKA,
No, if you want to fly at ATPL level, then Perf. A is still a must as far as I know (If all your ATPL exams were sat under the UK system).
I think the Perf. A cutoff date is 30th. June this year, and if you don't meet this then you will have to sit the equivalent JAR exam. As I understand, the JAR exam covers performance from all categories and as such is something you don't want to put yourself through if you don't have to. Get the Perf. A!
PS: What are the sitting dates for Perf. A this year????