Coveney condemns IFA protest, two injured

The Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney has strongly condemned the "aggressive nature" of the IFA protest which took place at his Department's offices in Johnstown Castle in Wexford earlier today.

More than 300 demonstrators stormed the building - in protest against delayed payments.

Gardaí were called in to intervene in the situation and two men were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

In a statement issued this evening, Minister Coveney said the actions of the farmers went beyond the bounds of acceptable behaviour.

He also pointed out that the delivery of direct payments of €1.5bn will be paid again this year even more quickly than last year.