A Dublin mother has told a District Court Judge her daughter should be brought to Court for her poor school attendance.

The 38-year-old, who cannot be named, complained it was not 'fair' that she was being prosecuted for the attendance record of her 15-year-old.

The mother-of-two was fined €300 after her teenage daughter missed 89 days of school.

The Education Welfare Board Officer said this was the the worst case of school absenteeism that he had ever seen.

The girl has missed almost 80% of school this year and failed to show up for the Junior Certificate mock exams last week.

Daughter 'should have been brought before the Judge'

The Prosecution said while the girl may be a rebellious teenager, her mother "just doesn't care".

Lawyers for the 38-year-old told the Court she is a former heroin addict who is battling her own difficulties.

Giving evidence she complained that her daughter should have also been brought before the Judge and that it was not fair that "mothers have to stand in court."

In imposing the €300 fine Judge John O'Neill said the woman was not being as cooperative as she should be, and it was "no wonder her daughter is laxidasical, when she gets no push from her Mum".