The Taoiseach has hit back at criticism against him for eating less meat.
Leo Varadkar said yesterday he was trying to reduce his carbon footprint by eating less meat.
Kerry TD Danny Healy Rae said anyone who does not eat meat has not done a hard days work.
He said: "Them fellas that are talking about stopping people eating meat have never worked hard.
"If you're a hard worker and do a hard days work there's nothing to bring you back and to revive again than a piece of good meat."
In the Dáil, Mr Varadkar rejected allegations that he was doing damage to farmers by eating less meat.
"I didn't give anybody dietary advice or suggest that anyone else do anything," said the Taoiseach.
"I was specifically asked what I was doing on climate change and I said that I was trying to eat less red meat, not giving it up.
"I had a very nice Hereford steak last night."
Mr Varadkar said yesterday that he was trying to eat less meat "both for health reasons and for reasons of climate change".
Earlier today, Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice criticised the Taoiseach, saying his comments could have an adverse effect on the agri-industry which was worth €12bn.
