The independent review group which is investigating allegations of price-fixing in the meat industry is to seek submissions from interested farmer parties next week.

The group, chaired by a former secretary general at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr Kevin Bonner, is also expected to meet the major parties in the dispute early next week. Initial meetings are being sought with the Irish Meat Association, the IFA, the ICMSA, IBEC and the Department of Agriculture and Food.

The group is also likely to consult with the Competition Authority. The authority has investigated allegations of anti-competitive practice in the meat trade since 1997, although it is understood that it has found no prima-facie evidence of price-fixing.

It is also expected that the group will commission independent research on various aspects of meat pricing. A key objective will be to establish the cost of meat at different stages in the production process.

The group, which has already held a preliminary meeting, must report to the Government before the end of April.

The other two members of the group are UCD's professor of applied agricultural economics, Mr Seamus Sheehy, and economist Mr Colm McCarthy of DKM consultants. Once its initial inquiries are complete, it is understood the group plans to spend about 1 1/2 days per week on the investigation.