The Agriculture Minister says a collective response to the horse meat crisis is the main focus in Brussels today.

Simon Coveney is chairing the Agriculture and Fisheries Council.

Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is also to be discussed.

Mr. Coveney says he hopes for an 'agreement in principal' on the issue, with a particular focus on rules governing whereby countries distribute supports to their farmers.

"We as a Presidency have put forward a detailed compromise that is trying to deal with the concerns of individual countries and groups of countries" he said.

Issues of transparency on the CAP will also be scrutinised.

 Calls for compulsory labeling

IFA President John Bryan will attend the meeting today and says Irish farmers have repeatedly called for compulsory labeling, which is long overdue.

The meeting takes place as an investigation continues at B&F meats in Carrick-on-Suir in Co. Tipperary.

It was found to be exporting horsemeat labelled as beef to the Czech Republic.

Speaking to reporters on his way into the talks, the Minister says Ireland is leading the way on horse meat checks.