Couple fined for teen’s absence at school

A COUPLE were fined a total of €300 for failing to ensure their teenager attended school.

Judge James Faughnan had previously threatened to jail the East Galway couple if they did not send their child to school.

The duo appeared before Ballinasloe District Court last week where Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, confirmed it was satisfied the teenager’s attendance had improved.

Earlier this year the court heard that the child had missed dozens of school days, and at one stage in 2025 there was a 92 per cent absenteeism rate.

The child was also not engaging with (CAMHS) Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

At the latest sitting, solicitor Claire Irwin said Tusla’s concerns had been addressed. Ms Irwin told the court that Tusla was seeking a monetary penalty, but it would pursue the parents again through the courts if concerns about absenteeism resurfaced. Judge Faughnan imposed fines of €150 each on the child’s father and mother.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.