Donegal children absent 120 days in school year, court told

A case of two Donegal children who have been absent for almost 80 per cent of school days in the current school year has gone to court.

The parents of the children have been summonsed to face prosecution at Letterkenny District Court for breaking the Education Welfare Act.

An educational welfare inspector gave evidence before Judge Éiteáin Cunningham.

The officer told the court that both of the children had missed 120 school days this year out of a total 154 days.

In the previous school year, one of the children was absent for 103 days and the other missed school on 93 days.

The educational welfare inspector said the father of the children had been in court earlier in the day, but had left court.

The man's solicitor, Mr Frank Murphy, said his client left to collect the children from school.

The inspector said it was 'really unfortunate' that the man was not present.

The mother of the children was represented by Mr Donough Cleary, who said his client was unable to be present in court.

Judge Cunningham said that it should be noted that every child has a right to education and parents have an obligation in that regard.

The matter was adjourned until July 18.