Pictured at the Kepak premises at Clonee are IFA President Eddie Downey and Henry Burns.Photo:Barry Cronin
ADVERTISEMENT
Meat Industry Ireland has refused to rule out taking legal action to prevent farmers from protesting outside factories over beef prices.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Chairman of MII Ciaran Fitzgerald said his group has "explored" the rules and regulations where a business is being blockaded.
When asked if MII's members have considered their legal options and taking out injunctions against the protesters, he said: "If you're looking at a situation where businesses close down and people can't operate then obviously there are rules around that and we live in a country that upholds the rule of law, so there are clear rules and regulations in terms of what can happen in a situation where businesses are being closed down."
ADVERTISEMENT
However, Fitzgerald said they have chosen to engage in the process Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney asked them to.
IFA
IFA President Eddie Downey disputed claims that they were not engaging fully in talks with the meat industry and said he hopes Wednesday's forum goes ahead.
Both sides said that some progress has been made in terms of specifications and Downey said the current 48-hour protest has been scaled down in light of the progress made.
However, agreement on beef prices has yet to be achieved. Downey said the IFA will continue to fight for higher prices. "I hope we're going to see the industry move forward on prices, I think we have to see the price gap close."
Outside Kepak's Clonee factory last night:
Register for free to read this story and our free stories.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
Meat Industry Ireland has refused to rule out taking legal action to prevent farmers from protesting outside factories over beef prices.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Chairman of MII Ciaran Fitzgerald said his group has "explored" the rules and regulations where a business is being blockaded.
When asked if MII's members have considered their legal options and taking out injunctions against the protesters, he said: "If you're looking at a situation where businesses close down and people can't operate then obviously there are rules around that and we live in a country that upholds the rule of law, so there are clear rules and regulations in terms of what can happen in a situation where businesses are being closed down."
However, Fitzgerald said they have chosen to engage in the process Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney asked them to.
IFA
IFA President Eddie Downey disputed claims that they were not engaging fully in talks with the meat industry and said he hopes Wednesday's forum goes ahead.
Both sides said that some progress has been made in terms of specifications and Downey said the current 48-hour protest has been scaled down in light of the progress made.
However, agreement on beef prices has yet to be achieved. Downey said the IFA will continue to fight for higher prices. "I hope we're going to see the industry move forward on prices, I think we have to see the price gap close."
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS