The parents of children who are persistently absent from school could face fines of over €600 under new legislation announced by the Department of Education today.
Under the new laws, parents who avail of cheaper off-peak deals and take their children on holidays in school time could be penalised.
Teenagers who leave school early to take up jobs could also be affected by the Education (Welfare) Act 2002.
The proposal was welcomed by the National Parents Council representing primary pupils' parents.
"We have a lot of children who are dropping out of school either because of home or school circumstances or because they are troubled youngsters," Ms Fionnuala Kilfeather, chief executive said.
"It is not just looking at things like parents going off on holidays, it is looking at helping struggling families to keep their children in school."
Under the law, head teachers must alert the authorities if a child is absent for 20 days in the school year, the Department of Education said.
Persistent absences could see parents facing a criminal prosecution, including a maximum fine of €635.
A 'code of behaviour' must be drawn up between parents, pupils and teachers at each school.
"That is a very sensible thing because it means that parents and teachers are singing off the same hymn sheet," Ms Kilfeather said.
A welfare officer will be assigned to every school to make sure children attend, although the Garda currently carries out the job in rural areas.
The Educational Welfare Board will have responsibility for enforcing the legislation.