NWCI demands gender proofing in the allocation of all public funds
Published: Tuesday, July 22, 2003
The National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) has continued to condemn the allocation of €750,000 of public funds from Bord Fáilte to Portmarnock Golf club to host the Irish Open. The Club denies membership to women. Ms. Mary Kelly, Chairwoman of the NWCI said 'The commitment of public funds to this event at Portmarnock Golf Club undermines the provision of State support for projects and research to examine and increase the low representation of women in public life, which have been very important in progressing women's equality".
'Stated Government policy is to promote gender equality. It is therefore logical and appropriate that gender proofing of all public spending should occur", Ms. Kelly added.
Turning to the private sponsorship of the event which will begin in the North Dublin golf club tomorrow (July 24th), the NWCI Chairwoman added, "Women and men are rightly conscious of the power they exert as consumers. It is therefore incredible that Nissan, the main private sponsor of this event would risk a possible consumer backlash in light of the extensive media coverage which the Portmarnock ban on women members is receiving".
The National Women's Council of Ireland also welcomes the fact that RTE has declined opportunities to get involved in marketing and sponsorship of the event because of the alleged discrimination issue.
The Chairwoman of the Women's Council added, "It is deeply regrettable that one of two golf clubs in Ireland which continues to maintain an elitist and sexist policy of not accepting women as full members, should be the chosen location to host such a prestigious event as the Irish Open".
The National Women's Council of Ireland welcomes the fact that the courts will today set a date for the case to determine whether the Portmarnock Golf Club is in breach of Section 8 of the Equal Status Act, 2000.
The NWCI Chairwoman, Mary Kelly has said 'It is fortunate that we now have legislation, such as the Equal Status Act, and an equality infrastructure which is empowered to issue proceedings to test cases under the Act. Whether or not Portmarnock Golf Club is found to be in breach of the letter of the Act it is clearly violating the spirit of the Act'.