INTO demands action to boost literacy levels

SMALLER classes and more access to early education are urgently needed to increase literacy levels among children in poorer areas, the Irish National Teachers Organisation said yesterday.

INTO president Austin Corcoran said a report commissioned by the Department of Education, showing that pupils from disadvantaged areas are three times more likely than others to have difficulty reading and writing, is no surprise.

He blamed lack of Government measures to address social issues such as poverty and poor attendance.