Transgender Equality Network Ireland has said that there has been an increase in the number of people contacting them with issues around children identifying as transgender.

More than 1,200 people got in touch with the organisation last year about children and teenagers under 18.

The figures come after the Family Court heard that concerns were raised with the Child and Family Agency by a school Principal over a child who was going through the transgender process, after his father had done the same.

The Principal was reportedly worried about the reasons why the boy thought he was transgender, and a social worker recommended more investigations.

Gordon Grehan from Transgender Equality Network Ireland said that there is a lack of information and much ignorance around the issues.

“The best thing for a child is for a child to be happy and feel comfortable and safe,” he said.

“So whether that means that they get to play with the toys they want to play with at home or dress the way they want to at home, but then maybe dress differently when they go to school, that might be an option.

“Or maybe there’s a safe space, like maybe they could go to dance classes or go to some kind of painting class where they feel they can be themselves, so they have that outlet.”