The Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has confirmed that negotiations are underway for a €500m support package for EU farmers.

It was proposed by Ireland's Commissioner Phil Hogan in Brussels today.

Mr Coveney tweeted: "€500m is significant package for EU farmers - negotiating the best deal now for Irish farmers who r here in Brussels".

It comes amid violent protests in Brussels, involving thousands of farmers angry at the price they are being paid for their milk.

Fires were lit, with police using water cannons to try to disperse the demonstrators - some of them were on their tractors.

It comes ahead of a meeting of EU agriculture ministers, who are accused of not doing enough to end low milk prices. 

According to the European Commission, the package will include targeted aid for all member states "particularly those which have been most affected by market developments".

It also says it is is working closely with the European Investment Bank (EIB) on options for establishing financial instruments, where re-payment schemes are linked to commodity price developments.

And the Commission says it is also working on enhanced schemes to address the market imbalance.

IFA president Eddie Downey says not enough is being done to assist working farmers.

It follows a protest in Dublin last week, in which the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) called on the European Commission to protect farmers from falling food prices.

They are amongst the worst hit by falling incomes, and the IFA called on Commissioner Hogan to implement measures to secure income.

Farmers from around the country protested outside the EU Commission offices in the capital.