I do not appreciate being misrepresented. During questions on agriculture earlier, a debate about farmers and agriculture went into the area of a trade deal and what trade policy was, and I highlighted that it was not my direct role.

Sentiment score: -0.15

I fought my sector's corner on the Mercosur trade deal. The Deputy knows what way the Government voted. I made that very clear. With regard to the point the Deputy raised around Bord Bia, what I implore everyone-----

Sentiment score: 0.03

I want to answer on the substantive point the Deputy raised.

Sentiment score: 0.08

Deputy Tóibín made a political charge.

Sentiment score: 0.00

I want to answer the substantive point he raised, if he lets me.

Sentiment score: 0.08

Either the Deputy wants me to respond to his question or he does not. On the point about Bord Bia, there is nuance and detail involved. A calm space is needed for this to be explained. We have dealt with soundbites, attacks and rash actions and comments by some people in this House that do farmers a disservice. Farmers benefit greatly from the integrated nature of international trade deals. We export 90% of our food and drink produce. With regard to the specific business case of the chairman of Bord Bia, it is absolutely explainable. It was explained to the board of Bord Bia and 12 of the 14 members absolutely accepted that. It was explained to me. The offer is open to both the county chairs and commodity chairs of the IFA to have a direct meeting with the chairman. He is coming before the Oireachtas committee next week as well. Let us have the space for that. Do not do farmers a disservice by going with soundbites and playing on the sensitivities-----

Sentiment score: 0.07

Of course they are angry. They are angry because they are being fed soundbites from this Chamber.

Sentiment score: -0.51

Let us have a proper, meaningful debate on the importance of integrated global supply chains that benefit our farmers.

Sentiment score: 0.78