Former President Mary McAleese says that Ireland can become the best country in the world for LGTB people.

However Ms McAleese warned that this will only happen by challenging those who foster homophobia.

It comes after a new report shows there's a higher level of self harm and attempted suicide among young LGBT people.

Odhrán Allen from the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network says there's a number of reasons for the problems.

"There's other examples of attitudes that need to shift such as if you discuss LGBT issues in school, some adults believe that that can turn you gay or that it can convince you to become LGBT.

"That's a misunderstanding of what it means to be LGBT.

"I think we need to address the harassment that people are encountering."