Senior ministers have condemned the attack on a teenage boy in Navan, arguing that it is not representative of young people in Ireland.
The 14-year-old suffered a concussion, broken teeth and extensive bruising in the assault which left him with a shoe print on his forehead. Videos of the incident have been widely shared on social media.
Speaking in Shannon, Education Minister Norma Foley vowed that psychology supports would be offered to the child by her department if they were required.
