Quinn to publish anti-discrimination proposals 'within weeks'

Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has said he will publish proposals to remove discrimination against gay and lesbian teachers in the coming weeks.

Ruairi Quinn made the comments as he received an angry reception for other commennts at the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) conference in Cork this evening.

Around 450 delegates heckled and laughed during his address, particularly on the issues of Junior Cert reform and the EU Treaty referendum.

Speaking on a new draft bill which aims to remove discrimination against gay and lesbian teachers - published by Fianna Fáil Senator Averil Power - Minister Quinn said his commitments on the issue would be fulfilled.

"We are determined to achieve progress on an all-party basis on this matter in the near future," he said.

He said proposals would be published in the coming weeks.