TUI chief warns government over resources

The Government is being warned it needs to start training new teachers now to cope with an increased student population in the years ahead.

Revised projections from the Department of Education today show that pupil numbers by the year 2026 will far exceed those previously forecast.

When last years Census figures are taken account of the number of second level students will grow by 26% over the next 14 years to well over 410,000.

John Mac Gabhann - head of the Teachers' Union of Ireland - says we need to be making preparations for that now.

"Finding teachers is a matter that can't be dealt with on the spur of the moment.

"There will be a year by year increase and we need to match the increase with additional teaching resources year by year."