Talks are due to take place this evening between the Department of Agriculture and a group representing vets in an effort to resolve a dispute over inspections at meat plants.
Vets have been involved in a work to rule for the past week over the Department's plans to allow lower paid non-veterinary technical workers to carry out the inspections.
Veterinary Ireland chief executive Finbarr Murphy said the move would lead to lowering of standards and the downgrading of the Irish meat inspection service.