Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Exactly. From 1884 on the county was sacrosanct and one wonders what might have happened if the GAA had not arrived. I say that with my tongue very firmly in my cheek but there is a historical reality to that as well.

In the context of the Schedule, in addition to the deep hurt caused to many people in Leitrim there is also the deep psychological impact of not only splitting the county politically but also putting them under these designations. I realise the Minister cannot do anything about that; it is like a sacred cow. It is even worse than the United Nations. The United Nations is a great institution, notwithstanding its flaws. This report is being presented as a great achievement. I understand we cannot touch it because it will unravel everything. I understand also the political reality but I have to put on the record that this report is condemning the county of Leitrim to another identity crisis until such time as another commission is put in place.

I will conclude on a positive note about which Senator Brady will be aware. A report presented to Leitrim County Council two weeks ago based on the statistical evidence of new house buildings and various other improvements in the county indicated that the current population of Leitrim is estimated at over 28,000. It must be borne in mind that according to the last census the population was 25,100 or 25,200,