Barnardos accuses Govt of failing disadvantaged children

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.