The first ever European Union (EU) conference on homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools will take place today in Dublin.

The Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn has officially launch the conference, being held in association with the Irish EU Presidency.

The Department of Education has recently published a national Action Plan on Bullying that includes measures to tackle prejudice - including homophobia and transphobia.

Under the plan, schools will be required to keep a record of incidents of bullying.

€500,000 dedicated to supporting plan

It aims to stamp out cyber and homophobic bullying with a 12-step programme which includes the establishment of an anti-bullying website and special training for teachers and parents.

Schools found to have above-average levels of bullying will be provided with supports on how to tackle the problem.

Last month Minister Quinn also ring-fenced €500,000 to support the implementation of the Action Plan.

This conference brings together EU, UNESCO and national policy makers, teachers, school leaders and NGOs to debate and look for methods of tackling these forms of bullying.

Opening the conference, Minister Quinn said "Education plays a key role in supporting LGBT young people and also tackling the underlying prejudices which can lead to homophobic and transphobic bullying".