Mr Larry Goodman, the Republic's largest meat processor, will not be a member of the task force set up to examine and make recommendations on the future of the beef industry.
There was a public outcry by several politicians 10 days ago when it was reported that Mr Goodman might be involved. The task force, established by the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, has been charged with drawing up a strategic plan for the beef industry, covering all areas from production to marketing.
Announcing the task force's composition yesterday, the Minister said he would arrange that those organisations or bodies not represented would be given every opportunity to make submissions and to meet its secretariat.
The time had come to put the beef sector on a firm and long-term footing so it could confidently face the challenges ahead, said Mr Walsh.
Mr John Malone, secretary general of the Department of Agriculture and Food, will chair the group, whose members will be Mr Tom Moran, Department of Agriculture, with Mr Tom Parlon, Mr Raymond O'Malley and Mr Michael Berkery, representing the IFA.
The Irish Meat Association, representing the meat plants, will be represented by chief executive Mr John Smith. Mr Tom McParland, the managing director of Kildare Chilling, has also been appointed.
Mr Dan Browne, managing director of Dawn Meats, and Mr Liam McGreal, managing director of Kepak, will also participate.
Other task force members are Mr Frank Allen, ICMSA president; Mr John Cunningham of ICOS/Dairygold; Mr Michael Duffy of Bord Bia; Mr Mike Feeney, Enterprise Ireland; Mr John Kane, SIPTU; Mr Donal Carey, Teagasc; and Mr Paddy Moore, personal adviser to the Minister.
Beef factories have tendered for 4,088 tonnes of special intervention beef for the next fortnight. The price for good quality animals is expected to be 81.5p.
Last night, the IFA said it was clear the beef factories were getting higher prices from the commercial market than from the special intervention and they should increase the prices paid to farmers.