A new survey has revealed 43 per cent of parents wish they had more time to spend reading to their children at bedtime.

Bord Gais Energy Book Club asked more than 4,700 parents about their reading habits, with 47 per cent admitting they read to their offspring each night.

Despite the recent surge in the use of e-book readers such as the Amazon Kindle, 98 per cent of respondents said they prefer to use printed books.

Dr Eithne Kennedy, lecturer in literacy at St Patrick's College, said: "Reading is critical for success in school and in life, permeates much of what we do every day and contributes so much to a child's development."

The expert added it introduces children to creativity, "nourishes imagination", helps develop thinking skills and boosts vocabulary and general knowledge.

A recent study by publisher Pearson revealed 40 per cent of teachers have noticed a lack of interest in reading among youngsters by the time they reach 11.

Written by Donal Walsh

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