Una Mullally becomes new Govt LGBT head

Journalist and broadcaster Una Mullally has been named as Ireland's first independent LGBT national youth strategy chair as part of attempts to address bullying and discrimination of gay teens and young adults.

The move was announced by Children's Minister Katherine Zappone. and Ms Mullally at Government Buildings this morning, writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith of the Irish Examiner.

It comes as a new report in Britain warned of a rise in parents who are throwing their children out for being LGBT.

The new role will see Ms Mullally tasked with addressing bullying, discrimination and other matters for children growing up gay in Ireland, with Ms Zappone - who described her colleague as a "torch bearer" - saying she expects a budget "considerably higher" than €400,000 for the group.

Asked about her position, Ms Mullally said: "I'm really looking forward to this big piece of work.

"There's still loads of issues in the community, especially for young people, who still have challenges coming out, mental health needs in terms of environments that may be hostile towards them.

"So the big piece of this work will be consultation around the country, hearing their voices, listening to their concerns, and building those voices into a strategy of LGBT youth. I think it's a really positive thing."