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THE EQUALITY Authority has welcomed the clarifying of the law. “While the Supreme Court judgment is not as we would have wished, it is a matter for the Oireachtas to consider whether it should amend the Equal Status Act now that the Supreme Court has clarified how this Act be interpreted,” Renee Dempsey, chief executive of the Equality Authority, said.

The National Women’s Council of Ireland expressed concern at the ruling and called for changes in the Equal Status Act. “If the law cannot be invoked in a clear case of discrimination, it is no use in the struggle for equality,” said Therese Murphy, its vice-chairwoman. She described as “shameful” Portmarnock Golf Club’s going to such lengths to defend its right to discriminate against women.