John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister and support the amendment. Much of what I wish to say has been said already. Like the Minister and other speakers, I do not play and have never played golf. I am not a member of any golf club as I do not particularly enjoy the game. However, that is neither here nor there as regardless of whether a golf club, rugby club or any other sort of club is involved, the situation in Portmarnock Golf Club should not be allowed to continue. I praise Senator Henry for this amendment. When the Irish Open Golf Championship was awarded to Portmarnock, the issue dominating headlines here and abroad was the fact that there was discrimination against women in the golf club. This cannot be allowed to continue. I understand the Taoiseach and all previous incumbents are honorary members of Portmarnock Golf Club. It is just as well none of them is a woman.