Farmers protest outside factories

Farmers are protesting at Kepak meat factories this afternoon.

Members of the farming community are calling for more money for their cattle from meat companies.

Their push for stable prices comes amidst the improving foreign market for Irish beef.

Protestors have gathered at Clonee in Co Meath, Athleague, Co Roscommon and Watergrasshill in Co Cork.

The protests are expected to last until Tuesday.

But John Smith of the Irish Meat Association insists the international market sets the price of beef.

He says that Irish farmers are trading in extremely difficult circumstances and points out that 9/10 Irish cattle are usually exported.