A judge has told a mother that to deprive a child of education “is child abuse of the worst kind”.

A judge yesterday told the parents of a 14-year-old school-shy girl to bring her their overnight bags to court on Friday as he threatened both of them with imprisonment.

Several children’s groups have today criticised aspects of new legislation making the reporting of child abuse mandatory for named professions.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny pledged that the Child and Family Agency would not be just be “going through the motions” but would transform the way Ireland treats vulnerable youngsters.

The new Child and Family Agency to be set up next year will incorporate a range of services, including public health nurses and truancy officers, although its budget has yet to be decided.