Children without an education 'might as well be weeds on the side of the road', judge warns mother

A 16-year-old girl had a 100% absence rate and missed all available school days in 5th year in school

The judge said the mother 'can go to jail or get that child to school. It is as simple as that. She has to prioritise this'. 

 A judge has said children "might as well be weeds on the side of the road" if a parent doesn’t provide for them and ensure they get an education.

Judge Mary Larkin made her comment at Kilrush District Court where she warned a mother of two that she faces spending time in prison if her children’s attendance at school doesn’t dramatically improve.