Homophobic bullying 'widespread' in Irish schools

Homophobic bullying in Irish schools is widespread in Irish schools, it has been claimed today.

Members of advocacy groups like BeLongTo and GLEN will address an Oireachtas Committee on the issue of homophobic and transphobic bullying later this morning.

Marking International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, members will also meet with the Education Minister Ruairí Quinn.

Dr Carol-Anne O'Brien from BeLongTo said that they will be raising a number of important issues at both events this morning.

"Unfortunately, homophobic bullying is widespread in schools across Ireland and it has a really devastating impact on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people and it leads to serious mental health difficulties," she said.