SEANAD REPORT: The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Mr O'Donoghue, said he recently made it clear to representatives of Portmarnock Golf Club that he wanted the lifting of the club's prohibition on women membership.

The Minister said he had sought a meeting with representatives of the club and he had outlined the views that had been expressed in the House about the issue.

"I also explained to them that I anticipated that a number of other high-profile politicians would be speaking out against their practice. They understood this. I also outlined to the representatives of Portmarnock Golf Club my own personal views and my preference.

"I made it plain to them that it would be my preference that they would lift the rule in relation to not allowing women to be members of the club, and I happily reiterate that sentiment this afternoon."

The Minister, who did not say what reaction, if any, was made by the club representatives, was responding to a proposed amendment to the National Tourism Development Authority Bill tabled by independent members Dr Mary Henry and Mr Joe O'Toole.

The amendment would have prevented money being paid directly or indirectly to any persons or organisations in breach of the Equal Status Act.

The Minister said he supported the sentiments voiced by those who had spoken in favour of the proposed change to the Bill. But there was difficulty in ensuring those sentiments could be expressed in legal terminology and be effective and practical.

He would give the matter some further thought before the Bill went to the Dáil.

Referring to the co-sponsoring by Bord Fáilte of next year's Irish Open at Portmarnock, the Minister repeated that it had never been the board's intention to fund a discriminating club.

"The intention is to fund an event," he added. Government and Opposition senators praised Dr Henry for putting forward the amendment.

Dr Martin Mansergh (FF) said the role that women had played in the development of golf in this country was sometimes forgotten. Some clubs had actually been founded by women.

It was regrettable that one or two prestigious clubs still exercised what could only be described as "gender apartheid".

Mr John Paul Phelan (FG) said the situation in Portmarnock should not be allowed to continue. "Its my understanding that the current Taoiseach and all previous taoisigh are honorary members of Portmarnock Golf Club. It's just as well that he's not a woman."

Mr Michael McCarthy (Labour) urged that Dr Henry's call be heeded. "We have to put down a marker," he said.

Dr Henry said she did not think the sponsors of the Irish Open had realised what a mess they were getting into.