​Cólaiste Eoin in Stillorgan have denied claims that they have cancelled a homophobic bullying workshop run by voluntary organisation ShoutOut, saying that they hope instead to host the workshop later in the year.

Concerns about the workshop were raised by parents and ultimately led to the postponement of the event.

A statement released by the board of the school to RTE's Morning Ireland programme, said: "The Board of Management have received written communications from a number of parents outlining their concerns regarding the workshop. In this context it was incumbent on the board to address all issues and to seek the advice available from Catholic management representative bodies available to secondary school."

Commenting on the incident, the schools co-ordinator for ShoutOut, Declan Meehan, said they were not offered a valid explanation for the cancellation, but were later told that the board of management felt that "both sides of the argument should be represented."

The organisation, who have worked with the school in the past, are keen to highlight this relationship, saying: "Not our intention to vilify the school, they have opened up their doors to us before. Today was just handled badly and was disappointing."

Students of the school have planned a protest in order to show that the school's decision does not have the support of its students.

Commenting on the controversial event, Education Minister Jan O' Sullivan said; "I would certainly hope that the school examines its policies and makes sure that it is line with national policy and that of my department in relation to bullying and that absolutely includes homophobic bullying."

 

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