CONCERN that publicans would be prevented from controlling their premises under new legislation were raised by Opposition deputies.

The Minister for Equality and Law Reform, Mr Taylor, said two antidiscrimination Bills to be introduced this year would prohibit discrimination in employment and other areas on grounds of gender, marital status, family status sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, colour, nationality, national or ethnic origin and membership of the travelling community.

These Bills were necessary for Ireland to ratify the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, to which 137 states had already subscribed. He hoped the legislation would be passed with the support of all parties.

He had met representatives of the two vintners' bodies and the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland, and it was agreed they would submit proposals on how their concerns could be met under the Bill dealing with equal status for minority groups.

Mr Brendan Kenneally (FF, Waterford) said publicans feared their hands would be tied in regard to controlling their premises. Apparently, they would be obliged to give a reason to anyone who was refused service.

Mr Michael McDowell (PD, Dublin South East) asked if it would not be possible for a publican to pursue an admissions policy that would allow a pub to be gay or otherwise, if that was what the publican wished?

Mr Taylor said the details of the legislation could be discussed when it was introduced. He agreed to a suggestion from Mr Kenneally that the Bills might be discussed by a Dail committee