Parents jailed for education neglect

The number of parents brought before courts last year for failing to send their children to school was the second highest ever, while 10 parents received custodial sentences.

The figures, provided by the Child and Family Agency, Tusla, also show that despite the high num-ber of actions issued in 2015, the number of convictions was the lowest annual tally since 2007.

However, Educational Welfare Services explained it was due to the large number of cases that were adjourned and still going through the court system.