The Society of St Vincent de Paul calls on the government to increase spending on education.
Over the last twelve months the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) spent £15 million and provided assistance to 200,000 people.
At the launch of its annual report today, SVP president Bill Cleary said improvements in the economy put the government in a position to bridge the gap between less well-off families and those who are living comfortably. Education and the education system must be prioritised, because children from deprived areas are losing out,
In the pre-school and primary level a great inequality exists.
The Society has identified key areas where action should be taken. These include increased funding for education in disadvantaged areas, assistance for young people to access third level education, help for homeless young people and a review of education for the Traveller Community.
In addition, the SVP wants to see all provisions of the Childcare Act 1991 brought into immediate effect. It says that its work with vulnerable children has informed its view,
It is at this level that the government must start tackling inequality.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 5 December 1994. The reporter is Rachel English.
