Justice Minister Simon Harris has admitted that he is concerned about the influence of Andrew Tate on Irish teenagers.
Controversial influencer and former kickboxer Tate was detained by Romanian anti-organised crime agency DIICOT last month pending a criminal investigation into alleged rape, human trafficking and forming of an organised crime group.
The Brit has been widely criticised for his misogynistic and sexist comments on social media.
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In recent days, a number of Irish teachers have stated that they are concerned about his influence on their students, particularly teenage boys.
Minister Harris told the Irish Mirror that he shared this concern and he has spoken to a number of parents about the case.
“This is a really serious issue and I've heard from a number of parents of teenage boys in particular in recent days as the Andrew Tate issue [emerged]," he said.
“I didn't know who Andrew Tate was. We all know who Andrew Tate is. I think a lot of parents have found out who Andrew Tate is.
“I think a number of parents are having conversations with teenage boys, with their children about Andrew Tate and these people who have been following Andrew Tate.
“I am really worried. I think it shows what happens when the State doesn't step up to its responsibilities. I don't just mean this State, I mean in general.
“We need to be much better at providing age-appropriate information around sex education, around gender equality and through the school curriculum.
“My colleague [Education] Minister [Norma] Foley is committed to that.
“The zero-tolerance strategy sets out a number of actions and the next reporting group on that strategy is due to be in on January 25.”
Earlier this week, Tate lost an appeal against his 30-day detention in Romania.
Tate was detained alongside his brother Tristan and two unnamed Romanian women in December.
His high-profile arrest came just days after a Twitter spat with Climate Activist Greta Thunberg.
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