This matter is important both for Tipperary town and the surrounding area. I thank the Minister for attending the House to address the issue. Continental Promotions International is an American company which as been based in Tipperary for a number of years. It has provided good employment and is held in high esteem in the region. Since the tragic events of 11 September in America, the company has had to lay off some of its workers. I am delighted to note, however, that in recent days the full-time workers have been taken back, albeit only on a 30-hour week.
The workers are keen to know what the future holds, although they are not getting the answers they should from the company. They are unsure of their individual future prospects. No part-time workers have been taken back and, consequently, they are very concerned. The Minister is familiar with Tipperary town and he knows the area has suffered badly from unemployment. There have been a huge number of job losses in Tipperary over many years.
The IDA has been requested to fill an advance factory in Tipperary town. Unemployment in that part of west Tipperary is higher than in any other part of the south-east region. An application has also been made for Government decentralisation to the area but that is an issue for another day. We are concerned now with the future of the Continental Promotions plant. The company was welcomed to Tipperary but we need to clarify what is currently happening to the work force. I have raised the matter on the Adjournment to bring it to the Minster's attention in the hope that we will receive some assurance for those workers' future prospects.