Ministers concerned about homophobic bullying by teachers

The Minister for Education Batt O'Keeffe has said he's very concerned by allegations of teachers engaged in homophobic bullying of students.

The claims were made by teenagers involved in a new study on mental health among the younger population.

Launching the report, the Minister for Children Barry Andrews said it's emerged that homophobic bullying is widespread in schools around the country and many teachers have been implicated.

Education Minister O'Keeffe says if the claims are true, immediate action will be taken.