There has been a sharp increase in the number of children expected to need school places in the coming years.

Revised projections from the Department of Education show student numbers at second level will grow by 26% over the next 14 years to 413,118.

Previous estimates had put the projected number for 2026 at around 383,000.

However the figure was revised upwards after Census figures revealed continuing high birth rates.

John McGabhann is head of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI).

He explains why the figures have changed.