The Agriculture Minister has invited those leading the protests at meat factories to enter into talks.

Michael Creed’s invitation comes as 150 staff at a Dawn Meats factory in the South East are to be temporarily laid off.

For the last 11 days, farmers have been protesting outside more than 20 meat factories across the country.

They are unhappy with the low prices they are getting for their stock and the protests have had a big impact on meat processing.

The Beef Plan Movement has been leading the demonstrations.

However, the protests have resulted in job losses at the Dawn Meats factory on the Kilkenny/Waterford border.

President of the Irish Farmer’s Association Joe Healy has sympathy for the staff.

“We’re not able to make a living out of beef production even though we produce the best product in the world,” said Mr Healy.

Minister Creed wants the Beef Plan Movement to reflect on its position and to take up the invitation to enter into talks.

The owners of meat factories are to take legal action over the blockades outside their businesses.

For the last 11 days, farmers have been protesting outside more than 20 meat factories across the country including ABP in Ferrybank and Dawn Meats in Grannagh.

Meat Industry Ireland says companies have been forced to lay off employees with more expected to be laid off in the coming days.

They say they have been left with no other choice than to see legal remedy in an effort to prevent further damage to the beef industry.