The Labour leader has congratulated Leo Varadkar on coming out as gay.

Joan Burton says the disclosure by the Minister for Health was a brave thing to do.

There has been widespread support for Minister Varadkar since he confirmed his sexuality, making him the first openly gay minister in Irish history.

Joan Burton - who shares the same Dublin West constituency - says she's sent him her best wishes and that making the public announcement “took a lot of courage.”

“To actually come out and talk about it as he did required a lot of courage,” she said.

Watch the video below to see Joan Burton’s full reaction