Kildare child misses two years’ school as mother warned

A woman who allowed her teenage child to miss the last two years of school because of alleged bullying was given a month to prove her daughter has enrolled in a school or face the consequences.

The woman – who can’t be named to protect the identity of her daughter – appeared in Athy District Court (24 September) charged with failing to ensure a minor’s attendance.

A representative for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, told the court that “the child hasn’t been to school since 2022”.

“Every parent has to make an effort to get their child educated,” said Judge Desmond Zaidan.

“Do you want people to take advantage of her? Use her?” he asked rhetorically.

“You better start making efforts with your daughter,” he warned.

“There is bullying here,” said Brian Larkin, solicitor for the mother.

“You should deal with the bullying. It’s a human right to be educated,” said the judge.

“Your daughter needs better, deal with it,” he warned.

“Home schooling is not good for this girl on a social front, and sweeping it under the carpet is not doing her any good,” he added.

“I spoke to Tusla and I said I wanted her to go to the school in the Curragh, I wanted her to go to the Tech in Newbridge or the Holy Family,” said the mother.

She explained the long gap as: “I’m a Traveller and I went off in a caravan”.

“I don’t care, we’re all equal,” said the judge, adjourning a ruling on the matter until 22 October.