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	Ruairi Quinn TD and Frances Fitzgerald TD have launched an action plan to stem the tide of homophobic bullying in schools.</p>
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	Launching the action plan Mr Quinn, Minister for Education and Skills, said: &ldquo;Research shows that homophobic bullying is a particularly acute problem for young people [in our schools] who are either lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender or perceived to be so.&rdquo;</p>
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	The groundbreaking plan launched today has a series of actions to be undertaken to address bullying in schools that fully integrates measures to combat homophobic bullying. These actions are to be undertaken collaboratively by a wide range of actors: the Department, the Education partners; schools; parents and NGOs, including BeLonG To and GLEN</p>
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	Welcoming the plan, Sandra Gowran, Director of Education Policy Change at the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) said: &ldquo;We commend Minister Quinn and his Department for their understanding of the seriousness of the issues for LGBT young people and for a plan that contains very real and tangible actions which will improve the lives of LGBT young people in our schools and communities.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>
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	Minister Quinn said: &ldquo;It&rsquo;s important that we recognise that bullying behaviour sometimes stems from prejudice - from racism, homophobia or ignorance about a different culture or religion. Addressing such issues can be difficult, challenging and emotive, but prejudiced attitudes must be explored and dealt with. I take the view that a culture that encourages respect, values opinions, celebrates differences and promotes positive relationships is better for all.&rdquo;</p>
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	Acknowledging this, Michael Barron from BeLonG To said: &ldquo;This plan contains actions to tackle prejudice, including homophobia, which is the root causes of much bullying. This is critically important. Homophobic bullying can now happen in many areas of a young person&rsquo;s life &ndash; in the classroom, in the school yard, on the playing field and on the street. Increasing the internet, or cyberbullying,&nbsp; is used as a vehicle for homophobic bullying, leaving LGBT young people, and those perceived to be LGBT with a sense that they cannot get away from it&rdquo;</p>
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	&quot;It is evident that a high level of commitment to the eradication of homophobic bullying now exists, and this action plan marks the most significant breakthrough in this work to date, placing Ireland at the forefront of attempts to address this acute problem,&quot; added Irwin-Gowran.</p>
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	<em style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">BeLonG To&rsquo;s &#39;Stand Up! Don&rsquo;t Stand for Homophobic Bullying&#39;&nbsp;campaign will run in schools across Ireland from 11<sup style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">th</sup>&nbsp;&ndash; 15<sup style="padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">th</sup>&nbsp;March 2013<a href="http://www.gcn.ie/Irelands_First_Action_Plan_on_Bullying_Targets_Homophobia">http://www.gcn.ie/Irelands_First_Action_Plan_on_Bullying_Targets_Homophobia</a></em></p>
