Supermarkets accused of damaging lamb consumption

The Irish Farmers Association has claimed that the high prices supermarkets charge for lamb meat are damaging consumption by the public.

The association said both farmers and consumers are "being fleeced" by powerful supermarket groups.

IFA sheep farm leader Laurence Fallon said a survey carried out following customer complaints found that some outlets were marking up prices by as much as 100%.

"We are finding that immediately supermarkets are actually doubling the value of the lamb when they are selling it to consumers," he said.

"We are deeply disappointed at the rate of profit that is being charged by supermarkets."