Mary Henry (Independent)

I know the Minister would not support discrimination of any sort. He was thorough in the equality legislation he introduced while he was responsible. He is right to say this event will be beamed into homes all over the world – BBC commentators have already pointed out that the Irish Open is being played in a club which discriminates against women. This is not a good image and the Minister will hear about this increasingly until the event takes place.

It troubles me that Bord Fáilte felt fit to give money to the organisation even though the competition is to be held in one of the few clubs that discriminates against women. I accept the sponsorship is of the event rather than the club, as the Minister has stated tonight and on the radio. I also accept we have the finest links clubs in the world – everybody tells me so. Visitors get off the boat in Rosslare or the plane in Shannon, play their way around the country's courses and enjoy themselves thoroughly. I do not blame the Minister but it is a great shame this opportunity to promote golf involves Bord Fáilte's supporting an international competition being played in one of the few clubs that discriminates against women. Could the Minister publish a leaflet stating that few clubs in Ireland discriminate against women? It would help.

I was one of the first two women members from Trinity College in the Kildare Street Club which was run for many years as a men-only club. The late Ms Grace Carroll and I behaved so well that, after less than a year, the club asked if we could get more women members. We were good, did not complain and paid our bills. The club now has a considerable number of women members. I was fascinated by a member of the Government on television recently suggesting that women could not afford to join. What does he know about women with money? I am not suggesting women in the Seanad have money but I know plenty of women with money from other professions.

Bord Fáilte is being subsumed into this Bill and we must not pass legislation that would allow this problem arise again – we must alter it slightly so all bodies abide with the law of the land in every respect.