Johnny Brady (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

——as does Deputy English.

It covers four counties, and is in the heartland of Westmeath, Longford, Meath and Cavan. People from all areas are employed. I am glad substantial orders are on the books which remain to be filled. As we speak, some employees are working, deliveries are being accepted and representatives are with the liquidator. I hope contracts can be kept in place and terms can be arranged with the unions for the factory to reopen.

I appreciate other Members wish to speak. I know the Minister, the Department and the Minister of State will do everything that can be done. It is a vital cog in the area and the employees affected will not get other jobs in the area. As Deputy Penrose stated, some of the employees have worked there for 44 years with eight or ten people from the same family working there. In some cases, husbands and wives are working there. We saw on the television people who work there and are expecting their first child after building a new house. I know the Minister of State will not be found wanting and I appeal to him to do everything in his power to ensure most of the jobs will be saved if they cannot all be saved.

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