Water protesters block Tánaiste's vehicle in Dublin

Tánaiste Joan Burton's car has been blocked by protesters in south west Dublin this afternoon.

Ms Burton was attending an event in Jobstown, near Tallaght when around 100 people opposed to water charges gathered around her car.

Some of those present staged a sit-down protest, preventing the car from moving.

The situation is ongoing and the garda helicopter has been deployed to the scene, RTÉ news reported.

Gardaí say no arrests have been made.

A spokesman for the Minister said while there was no comment on the protests, the Tanaiste was in Tallaght to attend a graduation ceremony for students of higher education programmes at An Cosan.

The spokesperson said this was "a very special day", and nothing should be allowed to overshadow their achievements.

UPDATE 4pm: The Tánaiste has been escorted from the scene by gardaí after being transferred to a garda vehicle. Crowds in the area have dispersed.

Gardaí said two teenage boys were arrested and taken to Tallaght Garda Station.