‘Do not force my hand’: Kildare judge issues warning to single mother over her child's absences from school

A single mother was given a stern warning from a Kildare judge at Naas District Court on Thursday, September 14 last.

The court was told by a representative from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, that her child had missed a number of school days.

The mother pleaded guilty to the offence, but added that her child had been the subject of bullying at her last school.

Judge Desmond Zaidan took issue with the woman; he said: "This is important, the law is there for a reason. If you don't educate your child, it's child abuse."

He added: "If you told any child that they didn't have to go to school (every day), they would take that chance.

"If your child keeps missing school days, they will find it difficult to follow the classes, and then they will come to hate school."

Regarding the bullying allegations, he told the mother: "If there are issues relating to bullying, talk to these people (referring to Tusla)."

Adjourning the case to a date in December, Judge Zaidan warned the mother: "I want a 100 per cent attendance record by the next date, and if the child is sick (on any school days), then a medical certificate must be provided.

"Do not force my hand... I don't want to do this, but if you do, I will put you in prison for Christmas and put your child in State care," he added.