Parents Who Deprive Their Children Of Education Should Face Jail Time, According To A Judge

Friday, 1 July 2022 14:46

By Caoimhe Harney

The judge made the remarks at Dublin District Court.

A judge has suggested that parents who deprive their children of an education get a one-year jail sentence.

Parents who are prosecuted for depriving their children of an education "should attract a sentence of 12 months."

That's according to Judge Anthony Halpin in the Dublin District Court, who spared a mother jail time after her daughter consistently missed at least 30% of school days in three years.

The minimum school leaving age is 16, or completion of three years of post-primary education.

Judge Halpin said he didn't want to put parents in jail, "but to deprive a child of an education is a serious matter."

The woman was fined €100 and was told it was her last chance - the Child and Family Agency warned it could bring a new prosecution if the problems continued.

More from National News

Sharp Rise In M9 Collisions With Garda Call-Outs Up Year-On-Year

The figures, provided by An Garda Síochána, show a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Councillor Seeks Clarity On How Often Nightclubs and Late Bars In Naas Are Inspected For Fire Risks

Kildare Fire Service says all venues applying to renew their annual dance licence through the District Court were inspected in advance of the hearings.
New Figures From CSO Reveal How Much International Protection Applicants Earn Compared To Average Worker In Ireland

The data also found that a majority of asylum seekers entered the workforce once permitted to do so
Unpaid Eight-Month Work And Training Placement For Adults With Disabilities Branded "Extremely Unfair"

One Kildare mother told Kfm News that their child had been attending structured placements each weekday, typically from around 9:30am to 3pm, and in some cases carrying out tasks for up to two hours at a time - but are not receiving any form of payment.
Department Of Education Defends Kildare SNA Cuts Amid Claims Of Reduced Need At Some Schools

They said there "are many reasons why the level of need for SNA support in schools may fluctuate including falling enrolments, reduced or increased care needs and changing demographics as children move from primary to post-primary schools".
Naas Nurses Threaten Escalation As Staffing Row Deepens

Nurses spoke to Kfm News this week about issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.
Driving Tests Face Disruption As RSA Testers To Strike Next Week

The driving test centre in Naas is the only driving test centre in Kildare and attracts candidates from Kildare, Dublin, Wicklow and Laois.
Jury Delivers Not Guilty By Reason Of Insanity Verdict In Ballyfin Demesne Strangling Case

31-year-old Henry McGowan, from Brooklyn, New York, was found to be having a psychotic episode when he strangled his father to death at the 5-star hotel.