Kildare court: Parents of children who missed too many school days criticised by judge

Two girls missed an excessive amount of school days, Tusla told Naas District on Thursday, December 15.

The parents, who cannot be identified at present due to reporting restrictions placed on the case by Judge Desmond Zaidan, appeared in the courthouse on the date in question.

A worker with the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, told Judge Desmond Zaidan that they were notified of the absences by the respective schools of the two girls earlier this year.

It was heard that the couple's first daughter had only been present for 48 days of school, and had been absent for 92 days, resulting in an attendance rate of 26 per cent.

In the case of the second daughter, it was heard that she attended 44 days of school and had missed 123 days, resulting in an attendance rate of 34 per cent.

The Tusla worker also noted that in the case of the eldest daughter, many of the days she attended school were only for a short amount of time, such as staying for only one class before leaving.

However, the worker also remarked that attendance has improved since the case was heard in court last month.

Defending solicitor Tim Kennelly told Judge Zaidan that the family previously had issues with transporting the girls to their schools as they lived in a remote area, but added they have recently moved into a new, less-remote home.

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CHASTISED

Judge Zaidan criticised the parents for not ensuring that their children went to school.

He told them: "They are complicit in them (their daughters) not getting an education.

"A child's right to education is paramount, and to deny them of that is to an abuse of their human rights," he added.

Judge Zaidan said that he wanted to make sure that this was 'not a short-term fix' and adjourned the case to allow time for a Tusla report (and sentencing) to May 11, 2023.

The parents were remanded on continuing bail until this date.

The judge also gave Tusla permission to re-enter the case before the next date if they believe that the children have reverted back to regularly not attending school.