The Tanaiste, Mary Harney and the Minister for Agriculture, Joe Walsh are to meet both sides in an attempt to resolve the sugar beet crisis.

The Tanaiste, Mary Harney, has drafted in Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh in an attempt to resolve the 21-day-old dispute between the IFA and Greencore.

A Government-appointed mediator will today attempt to resolve a dispute over beet price between the Irish Farmers Association and Irish Sugar today.

The Government has intervened in the crisis at the Irish Sugar plants.