The Social Protection Minister has confirmed that she would turn down an invitation to take part in New York's St Patrick's Day parade.

The event has been mired in controversy in recent weeks - after the city's new mayor Bill De Blasio said he was boycotting it over its ban on gay and lesbian groups.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny says he WILL be taking part in the festivities.

But Minister Joan Burton - who's also due to travel to New York - says she's made it clear that she won't take part until the ban is lifted.

She says it's time for LGBT groups to be recognised in the parade.