Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)

Last Thursday was International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia and the theme of this year's event was combating homophobic and transphobic bullying in our schools. Rather fittingly, on the same day as that set aside to highlight awareness of this issue, the inaugural meeting of the anti-bullying forum also took place at the Department of Education and Skills headquarters in Marlborough Street.

While Irish society has generally become more accepting of homosexuality, many gay teachers in schools still risk falling victim to discrimination or to being put in the position where their job is at risk should their sexuality become known. It is unacceptable in this day and age that any teacher should risk facing dismissal on the grounds of sexual orientation. Regrettably, this is currently the case because of the existence of an archaic law that permits employers to penalise employees for actions that supposedly undermine their religious standards. The sexual preference of teachers should have no bearing on their ability to fulfil their role as educators while at the same time adhering to the religious ethos of the school where they teach. Despite this, Irish schools can often be hostile places for people who are gay. Many gay teachers risk discrimination, with some being passed over for promotion. Others have been verbally abused and have found themselves the victims of jokes and bullying. Where a school has an ethos that is hostile to gay and lesbian people, this can have implications for pupils, who risk being bullied should they disclose their sexuality. This can lead to depression, self-harm and suicide.

I welcome the Bill that recently came before the Seanad which makes amendments to the Employment Equality Act and will, hopefully, address homophobic discrimination. I also wish to acknowledge the Minister's commitment to tackling this issue. No-one employed in a school setting should be targeted or victimised because of his or her sexual orientation.

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