Pupils in primary and secondary schools face tough penalties for playing truant.

More than 130 children could land themselves in jail or have to pay fines as the government tries to crack down on problems of truancy in Irish schools, according to the Irish Independent.

It revealed that more than 100,000 pupils in primary and secondary schools are absent for more than 20 days of the school year.

The National Education and Welfare Board regional manager for north Leinster and north Dublin city Michael Doyle told the newspaper that "parents are either unable or unwilling to address" the problem.

He added that "everyday in school counts".

Mr Doyle said he hoped that a pilot project which involved the school principals seeking an explanation from parents for their child's absence could help reduce the issue of absenteeism.

Parents with children taking their Leaving Certificates in 2011 are likely to be more concerned if their children are missing school after this year's results showed that 4,000 pupils in Ireland failed their maths exams.

Written by Donal Walsh 

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