Parents of children who have a poor school attendance record could face having their child benefit deducted as a result.

Independent TD Denis Naughten has put forward a proposal to the Government that would link the welfare payments to absenteeism at school.

Earlier this week, a mother of a 14-year-old girl appeared in court after her daughter missed 135 days of school since September.

In the UK, parents of children who play truant face a fine of £50 (€70), rising to £100 (€140) if unpaid after 28 days.

Some argue that it should be at the parents' discretion if they wish to take their child out of school and should not affect child support payments.

What do you think? Should parents be penalised if their child fails to go to school?

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