Dozens of farmers are blockading the Department of Agriculture in Dublin. The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) demonstration is in protest against what they say is the 'inaction' of Minister Simon Coveney at a time of falling beef prices.

The protesters have built a hay barricade outside the Department and say they will stay there until they get a response from the Minister.

Farmers protest at the Department of Agriculture

They are accusing Simon Coveney of siding with factories and 'letting down' livestock farmers still struggling in the aftermath of the horsemeat scandal.

IFA President Eddie Downey says Minister Coveney should represent farmers and not industry.

These protesters say they feel betrayed.

IFA National Livestock Chairman Henry Burns said livestock farmers had suffered severe financial losses this spring and can take no more. "It's time Minister Coveney stood up for livestock farmers and restored some confidence back into the sector".

"Farmers are sick and tired listening to the Minister telling everybody how good things are and singing the praises of the processing industry, when beef prices have plummeted and livestock farm incomes are on the floor" he added.

Teagasc recently said that livestock farm incomes are down 13% to 22% last year, at what the IFA calls "extremely low levels", ranging from €9,469 to €15,595.