Vol. 563 No. 1
382 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, in view of the fact that the venue for the Irish Golf Open, Portmarnock Golf Club, does not permit female members and his stated opposition to this, he and the other members of the Government will boycott the event. [7271/03]
In my reply to an earlier question on this subject on 30 January 2003, I outlined the importance of the Irish Open for Irish tourism and the background to Bord Fáilte's decision to invest in the opportunity it provides to market Irish tourism. I further pointed out that Bord Fáilte's relationship is with the European Tour, not the owners of the course in question. It is the tour which owns the Irish Open event, not the club. In fairness to the club in question, without the last minute offer of its course, it is doubtful if there would have been any Irish Open this year.
I met representatives of the club shortly before Christmas and we discussed the membership issue. I expressed my personal preference that they would lift the rule on not allowing women to be members of their club. The representatives maintain that they do not discriminate against women in relation to access to the course and treat all non-members in the same way. They are also firmly of the view that the club is a legitimate single sex club and that its members have a clear right to exercise their constitutional freedom to associate. That freedom is one of the key rights in any free society and is recognised by the Constitution and in the Equal Status Act.
There has been no legal ruling on the issue as to whether Portmarnock Golf Club is a discriminating club under the Equal Status Act. While the matter has, I understand, been taken up by the Equality Authority, it is for the courts to make the final judgment on these matters. At this time and in these circumstances, it would be inappropriate of me to prejudge the outcome of any proceedings.
