Beef-prices talks: Neither side 'willing to give in'

Talks aimed at resolving a row over beef prices are taking place in Dublin between farmers and factories.

The negotiations are taking place amid a threat from the Irish Farmers Association to stage 48-hour protests at production plants from Sunday evening.

Meat Industry Ireland is calling on the IFA to call off its proposed blockades while the talks are taking place.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said all sides needed a beef market with stability and certainty.

Darren Carty from the Irish Farmers Journal said the situation was reaching crisis point. He said: "First indications from both sides would say neither side is willing to give in.

"The factories don't want to raise prices and the IFA are saying that unless the factories come with a significant price rise in the meeting, that they will be going ahead with the blockade from Sunday evening."