Confidence in the Government's stated opposition to the EU Mercosur agreement has been further undermined in recent days by the withdrawal of Brazilian beef from sale across Europe and the fact an Irish MEP, Regina Doherty, from the Tánaiste's party, gave a full throated support for the deal on RTÉ radio - I am not sure if he heard her - contradicting the Government's stated position. I would appreciate if the Tánaiste answered my questions. What action has been taken by the Government to help construct a minority blocking mechanism at EU level to stop Mercosur? Can he state clearly to the House and, more importantly, to farmers that Ireland will vote against the deal at EU Council level? Can he take this opportunity to call on other member states to vote against the deal?

I thank Deputy Doherty. The position of the Government remains the same and as outlined in the programme for Government in terms of our concerns regarding the Mercosur deal. A lot of significant work is being undertaken, in particular by the Minister for agriculture and other Government colleagues, to engage with other like-minded countries or those which have similar concerns about the Mercosur deal to ascertain whether the blocking minority remains in place. The Government still has concerns about the Mercosur deal, despite some of the protocols that have been announced. We continue to engage with those like-minded countries and will continue to engage directly with farming organisations. The Government's position has not changed.

Will the Tánaiste not answer the question?

I call Deputy Ahern.

Will it vote against it and will you call on others to do so? Please answer the question.

I call Deputy Ahern.

I asked simple questions.

I outlined that the Government-----

Is Ireland going to vote against the deal?

-----remains opposed to-----

Will the Government vote against the deal?

I am not going to be heckled in the House.

Just answer the question.

I talk directly to farmers every day of the week.

Deputy Doherty, you have asked your question. The Tánaiste has answered. Can we move on to Deputy Ahern please?

The IFA called on the Tánaiste to clarify the position.

I talk to-----