Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Thanks, Deputy. Mercosur at the moment is only at the level of a political agreement, and that political agreement was signed off on not just by the entire Commission, but in particular by Commissioner Malmström from Fianna Fáil's own political family who is the Trade Commissioner. In two years' time when there is a legal agreement, we will be in a position to assess it and take a position on it then, but I have said before that we will always defend the interests of Irish industry and Irish farmers when it comes to any trade agreement.

We have secured €100 million in income support for farmers - €50 million coming from the Exchequer and €50 million coming from the European Commission. As of now, only €80 million of that €100 million has been drawn down. Yes, we can certainly give consideration to a further request, but that has to come at the appropriate time, and that €100 million has yet to be fully drawn down.

In respect of the protest and the blockades, the Minister, Deputy Creed, convened talks. Those talks were successful in coming to an agreement.

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