Irish beef factories hit by claims of cartel

Major Irish beef processors are being accused of operating a cartel that depresses the price farmers get for their produce without passing it onto the consumer.

They face a two-pronged attack as Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has said he is considering legislation in relation to them and supermarkets, while Sinn Féin is asking the Competition Commissioner to investigate.

There have been ongoing battles between the meat factories and farmers, with a truce signed last week that lifted pickets and protests.