Walsh refuses to interfere in cattle price row

AGRICULTURE Minister Joe Walsh yesterday insisted it would be inappropriate for him to get directly involved in the cattle price dispute between beef processors and producers.

Speaking with reporters at the Bord Bia poultry and egg conference in Athlone, he said delivery of beef to the market place was a matter for industry itself and price was a matter for negotiation between the producers and the processing industry.

"I do not set prices. It would be inappropriate for me to get directly involved."