Barnardos accuses Govt of failing disadvantaged children

11/04/2006 - 12:46:25
Barnardos has accused the Government of failing to take effective measures to improve the educational prospects for thousands of disadvantaged children.

The children's charity made the accusation today while launching a campaign for stronger action to tackle educational disadvantage.

It said the Government had failed to "make the grade" in six key areas, leading to a situation where one-third of children in disadvantaged areas are still unable to read or write.

Barnardos also said the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats had failed to properly tackle school drop-out rates, to provide adequate pre-school supports and to help parents meet school costs.