The Minister for Communications says that if fraud is found to be behind the latest twist in the horse meat scandal, then those responsible will be punished.

Pat Rabbitte's remarks follow the launch of an investigation into operations at B&F Meats in Carrick-On-Suir, Co. Tipperary.

Production at the factory was suspended yesterday after it was found to be exporting horse meat labelled as beef to the Czech Republic.

Minister Rabbitte says it is vital to get to the bottom of this latest development: