An investigation into the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network shows that charity funds were used to support a political campaign.

Former president Mary Robinson said the reluctance of some LGBT leaders to be photographed at Áras an Uachtaráin, when she signed the bill decriminalising homosexuality in 1993, showed her how frightening it was to be gay in Ireland.

The group is facing questions over funding and is potentially facing a review by the Charities Regulator

Kieran Rose says he regrets that financial arrangements made between him and GLEN are contributing to controversy.

The Charities Regulator is investigating Glen, the Gay and Lesbian Network, as the NGO puts “new financial procedures” in place.

Two same-sex marriages have been registered in Roscommon, the only county to vote No in the marriage referendum.

Macra’s Rural Youth Committee has expressed outrage and disappointment that some of the €35m increase in funding for mental health services this year will be moved to other areas.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service’s deferral policy, which imposes a lifelong ban on blood donations from any man who has ever had sex with another man, is being examined at a Royal College of Physicians conference.

The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network said that it is disappointed by the Pope's document on love and the family, calling it a missed opportunity to tackle homophobia.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today.

Two men who played a leading role in campaigning for the marriage equality referendum are among the bookies’ favourites to win the upcoming Cork Person of the Year award.

A marked rise in the number of people being diagnosed with HIV has prompted calls for new information campaigns and a nationwide introduction of free test kits.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar, said rapid HIV testing would be offered in colleges, workplaces and in public places.

The ban on gay men giving blood should be lifted, Equality Minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has said.

The first same-sex civil marriages should take place by November after the Cabinet approved legislation enabling the reform.

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Senator Fidelma Healy Eames was embroiled in controversy after claiming that extending civil marriage rights to same-sex couple could lead to the banning of Mother’s Day.

An umbrella group of victims’ organisations has warned Ireland is to breach this November’s deadline for full implementation of an EU directive on the rights of victims of crime.

Primary schools are to be provided with a new resource to help teachers tackle homophobic and transphobic bullying.

Religious-run schools and hospitals will be stripped of the ability to sack staff for being gay, divorced, or unmarried parents by Easter, Equality Minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin says.

Varadkar claims 12-month deferral for donations would bring Ireland into line with other countries

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has described as “historic” the Cabinet approval of the wording for May’s same-sex marriage referendum.

A website where people can report homophobic abuse and violence has gone live, with those behind the initiative hoping it can reduce the amount of intimidation felt by LGBT people.

A campaign has been launched encouraging people to register for their vote ahead of next year’s referendum on civil marriage equality.

Pope Francis has beatified Pope Paul VI and declared that God is not afraid of new things as he concluded a remarkable meeting of bishops debating family issues.

In a dramatic shift in tone, a Vatican discussion document has stated that homosexual people have "gifts and qualities to offer".

Rights groups have renewed calls for hate crime legislation after only 47 incidents were recorded in the first half of the year.

Rights groups have renewed calls for hate crime legislation after only 47 incidents were recorded in the first half of the year.

Mud-slinging and auction politics eclipsed the more traditional sports at the National Ploughing Championships yesterday.

Specific offences should be urgently introduced to criminalise the motivations of people who carry out hate crimes, according to a new study.

The National Union of Journalists has written to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland expressing concern at the BAI Compliance Committee’s decision to uphold a complaint against RTÉ presenter Derek Mooney for "making several statements implicitly and explicitly supporting same- sex marriage".

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has been criticised by a gay rights group for upholding a complaint against RTÉ Radio’s Mooney show which accused presenter Derek Mooney of "making several statements implicitly and explicitly supporting same-sex marriage".

The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) is hitting out a Broadcasting Authority of Ireland ruling on a same-sex marriage discussion.

A conference on hate crime yesterday heard that the absence of legislation had created "permission to hate" and that hate-motivated crimes should attract harsher penalties.

Almost one-in-three lesbian, gay and bisexual workers have been harassed in their job, according to a report.

Sex, drugs and free Swiss roll dominated the 77th Fine Gael ard fheis.

When I spoke in the Dáil on the debate on RTÉ’s decision to pay €85,000 in settlement over comments made on The Saturday Night Show, I did so not just as a gay person, but also as a member of society who wants to be treated equally.

Fianna Fáil has agreed to back its leader on Dublin City Council to win a seat in May’s European elections after the female councillor confidently secured victory at a party selection convention last night.

Following the debate on gay marriage my view is evolving.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny yesterday expressed strong support for same-sex marriage in a move that will send him on another collision course with the Catholic hierarchy.

The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network has given a cautious welcome to comments made by Pope Francis during the week on homosexuality.

The importance of creating a positive spirit in schools is key to the success of new anti-bullying procedures, a parents’ leader has said.

All schools will be required to have anti-bullying policies meeting new national criteria in place by next Easter, it emerged yesterday.

Gay rights groups are welcoming the news that the Constitutional Convention has given the Government its report recommending the legalisation of same-sex marriage.

The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network has welcomed a speech by the Tánaiste in which he said a referendum on same sex marriage could take place next year.

Young gay and bisexual Irish men have been warned the risk of contracting HIV has grown significantly.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny will come under pressure to announce a referendum on same-sex marriage after the constitutional convention voted overwhelmingly in favour of the move.

A referendum on gay marriage is looking likely, with a number of TDs from the Government and the Opposition throwing their weight behind proposals to put it to a public vote.