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

As regards sheep farmers, I acknowledge the difficulties they are facing. To use the Brexit adjustment reserve fund, one needs to be able to prove to the European Commission that Brexit is the reason prices are low and input costs are high. That would be a very difficult thing to prove. Unfortunately, we are finding great difficulty being able to meet the tests to draw down money from that fund. What I can say is that the Food Vision sheep group met recently with the Minister, Deputy McConalogue. All the main stakeholders were represented on the group. They have been asked to make submissions. Once received, the chairman's report and the outcome will be carefully considered by the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, and he will continue to keep the market situation under review and see if there is more we can do to help sheep farmers.

On the families affected by mica in Donegal and elsewhere, I am aware of the issue relating to engineering costs. Deputy McHugh spoke to me about it at the weekend. I have spoken to the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, on the issue and he is giving it consideration.

On road building, I will have to come back to Deputy Wynne in that regard. My understanding is that the road budget is the same as or higher than it was last year but I appreciate that the cost of doing work is higher as well. I will revert to the Deputy on the issue.

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