The proposed review into the governance of Bord Bia will examine, among other things, the eligibility for membership of the agency's board and for the appointment of its chairperson, it is understood.

A protest undertaken by the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) at the Bord Bia headquarters in Dublin was stood down yesterday evening (Monday, March 2) after an agreement was reached on an independent review.

The IFA had been protesting at Bord Bia's Dublin headquarters since January 26 in relation to the role of Larry Murrin as chair of Bord Bia.

Five IFA members had also been occupying the Bord Bia HQ since February 3.

Murrin has been at the centre of a storm for more than a month over whether his role as chair of Bord Bia is, as some have claimed, "incompatible" with his role as CEO of Dawn Farm Foods, which sources some beef from Brazil.

The board of Bord Bia met for most of yesterday to try and find a way out of the impasse.

The terms of reference for an independent governance review proposed by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon were shown to the board members and agreed last night, it is understood.

It understood that the terms of reference are not entirely finalised at this time, but board members were informed that the review would consider whether Bord Bia's corporate governance framework reflects best governance practice for state bodies as set out in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, and complies with all relevant legislation.

The board heard that the review will consider the role of the board, including the chair; the board composition, including eligibility of the board, including the chair; and the terms of reference for the board.

The board was also informed that the review will consider the procedures for and management of conflicts of interest, including consideration of what constitutes a conflict of interest, or a perceived conflict of interest, as set out in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

As well as that, "specific governance-related questions which have been raised during the current period" will be considered.

It is understood these proposed terms of reference where shared with the board at the outset of the meeting, but that changes - if any - to these broad terms of reference made in the course of the meeting are likely to have been minimal.

The review is to be completed by April 30.