3rd December, 2002
Dr. Henry: I am not happy with this section because it allows the authority to pay such sums as it considers appropriate to such persons as it considers appropriate out of moneys advanced to it. There is no definition of the words "such persons as it considers appropriate." In view of the present situation regarding the payment of €250,000 to the Irish Open golf championship this should be examined. The money is not being paid to Portmarnock Golf Club which does not allow women members, but to those promoting the Irish Open. Are they really the appropriate persons to receive State money? We will find ourselves in the same situation with this authority which could also pay money to such an organisation. The promoters of the Irish Open are going to use facilities, the policies of which are not in accordance with equality legislation.
I heard the Minister explain on radio that if a woman took a case against Portmarnock Golf Club, she would probably win under equality legislation. How would the Minister feel if Portmarnock Golf Club could exclude black or Muslim men and the Irish Open was still to be played there? I realise it is an important championship and good for the promotion of golf in Ireland. However, how good is it for Ireland's image that some facilities here are segregated? Would the Minister have allowed the money to be given if it was to be paid to a club which excluded black or Muslim men?
I have not tabled an amendment, but will do so on Report Stage to suggest that there should be some explanation of what is meant by "appropriate" people. It is not appropriate to promote anything that is in contravention of equality legislation, but if we allow this section to be inserted unopposed, that is what we will be doing. We will have a situation where anything goes and organisations not in accord with equality legislation will be able to get money from a State, local or regional authority once the Minister thinks it is all right. This is what is happening.
I sympathise with the Minister because he has no control over Portmarnock Golf Club. However, he should have sent a warning shot across the bows of those who organise the Irish Open golf championship and questioned the suitability of Portmarnock Golf Club as a venue. I do not play golf as I am one of those who think it spoils a good walk. However, I know we have splendid golf courses all over the country that would have been suitable. The Minister may have problems, but I will not let them continue into the future with this sort of legislation.
Dr. Henry: 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.
Acting Chairman (Mr. J. Walsh): I have allowed great latitude on an issue that is not pertinent to the legislation. As the Senator feels strongly about the issue, perhaps she could table an amendment on Report Stage. However, we should move on to the other sections.
Dr. Henry: I would never delay the House but I want to make my point clear, given that I will table an amendment on Report Stage. From what the Minister has said tonight and on radio, I believe he is embarrassed by what has happened.
Question put and agreed to.
Section 26 agreed to.
Dr. Henry: I support Senator Quinn's amendment. In my experience, when we push forward the publication date of reports, the people involved in writing them are pleased. I refer in particular to the report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals. When Deputy Cowen was Minister for Health and Children, that report usually emerged some 15 to 18 months after the end of the year. Very soon, that interval had been reduced to nine or ten months and the people involved in producing the report were pleased with that improvement. Such reports should not be regarded as simply historic documents. As Senator Quinn has advocated, they should be issued as promptly as possible so that there is still time to take action to influence developments.
Dr. Henry: I support Senator Quinn in everything he said, apart from the fact that he could ever be boring. He has mentioned before that it is much more environmentally friendly to put these reports on the Internet because you may only need one section. Large numbers of reports are clogging up our offices and we should be able to print only the section we require. It would save a great deal of pollution.
Dr. Henry: I support Senator Quinn's amendment. There is something ludicrous about this section, bearing in mind the existence of the Freedom of Information Act. Somebody will probably make a request under the Act to find out what advice was given by the chief executive to the Minister or the Government and any dispute, such as those which happen each day, will emerge as a consequence. I hope the Minister will accept Senator Quinn's amendment.
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