The Minister for Justice met with representatives of Meat Industry Ireland this morning.

A spokesperson for Charlie Flanagan said the meeting was scheduled at the meat processors request.

They used it to update him on the “current state of play at the factory gates.”

It comes as blockades were lifted at up to nine meat plants around the country.

This morning, farmers at the Athleague plant in County Roscommon announced their decision to stand down.

Last night, pickets outside Dawn Charleville, Dawn Grannagh, Dawn Ballyhaunis and Kepak Watergrasshill ended.

The final protesters also left ABP Cahir while Kepak Clones has indicated they are preparing to stand down over the weekend.

"Betterment of the sector"

The Athleague farmers said the are prepared to allow time for the deal agreed last weekend to be "implemented for the betterment of the sector overall."

"Having upheld their side of the agreement to stand down from the pickets outside meat factories, farmers are now looking to the other stakeholders in the agreement to follow through on their commitments," they said.

"While farmers are willing to allow time for the agreement reached last weekend to be implemented, we reserve the right to return to the picket lines in the future if sufficient progress is not being made on the various points outlined in the agreement."

Reform

In a statement last night, the Independent Farmers of Ireland group said the dispute was not over – but said it is hopeful the deal agreed last Sunday can lead to a process to bring about reform.

“We do not know what the future will hold but you can be assured we will not settle for empty promises and have no reservations in again highlighting our plight if necessary,” it said.

Meat price

Speaking last night, Irish Farmers Association (IFA) President Joe Healy said farmers will continue to lobby meat processors.

“We have made it very clear to factories that there can be no drop to the base price,” he said.

“If anything, it is an increase that is required.

“Farmers want to return to normality to be able to sell their stock. I have got calls from numerous farmers today that have stock to sell and bills to pay and that is what we want to see happen.”

It is believed that farmers at up to 12 sites have now stood down their pickets or said they will do so.