The Children’s Minister has said the new LGBT strategy for young people will aim to eradicate and reduce homophobic bullying.

The recently published LGBT Ireland Report, found that some gay and transgender people are experiencing discrimination, harassment and negative stereotypes as a result of their sexuality.

The report also found that there are higher levels of self-harm and suicidal behavior among LGBT teenagers.

Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone hopes the development of an LGBT youth strategy can help to make Ireland a safer and more accepting place for young gay people: “Though we have made may strides there are still a lot of problems particularly in relation to mental health, stress in school, but particularly bullying.

“Whether it is bullying in terms of lesbian or gay but also the trans bullying that is going on.

“So it is a stressful period of life as a young person in general but when you are coming to terms with an identity that is still isn’t fully accepted as normal I think young people need extra support in that regard.”