Inquest told girl’s self-harming was not discovered in class

The principal and the counsellor of a 12-year-old girl who took her own life denied claims by her mother at an inquest that her self- harming was discovered in class by a teacher.

Lara Gibbs-Burns was found in a barn at her family home at Grange, Enfield, Co Meath, on the evening of November 24, 2012.

Her mother, Helene Burns, had previously told Dublin Coroner’s Court that Maynooth Post-Primary School had discovered Lara was self-harming when an incident in which another student saw marks on her arm was not dealt with discreetly by the teacher.

Ms Burns claimed Lara was sent to see the counsellor in the middle of class.

However, as the inquest resumed, Megan Gaffney, the school’s counsellor, and principal Johnny Nevin said they were unaware of this incident happening.

Ms Gaffney said that Lara self-referred for counselling on September 12, 2012, and she told her that she had been self-harming.

She saw evidence of this, she said, and agreed a “safety plan” with Lara, including informing her mother and a referral to suicide and self- harm crisis centre, Pieta House. Lara continued to avail of counselling sessions at the school while also attending Pieta House.

Speaking from the body of the court, Ms Burns re-iterated her claim about the classroom incident.

However, Ms Gaffney said that as far as she was aware “the incident in the classroom did not happen”.

Mr Nevin told the inquest there was an incident on November 16, 2012, when Lara self-referred to the counsellor because she was upset that a rumour had gone around school that she had brought a blade in and left it at another student’s desk. He said this incident was taken “very seriously” and Lara had been “totally vindicated”.

He also told the court that he had “no information” that Ms Burns’s claims about the classroom incident were “correct”.

Ms Burns said one of Lara’s classmates was present outside and would be able to give evidence that Lara did not self-refer for counselling.

Coroner Dr Brian Farrell said he had a statement from the boy’s mother and the relevant information was that he had said there was “nothing out of the usual” in terms of bullying.

Lara was clinically assessed by Jules Thompson at Pieta House on October 10. She said she categorised her as “high risk” after she spoke of one previous suicide attempt and feeling suicidal for the previous year.

Ms Burns told the coroner that the family had never been told that Lara was high risk or had suicidal ideation.

However, Ms Thompson said protocols required her to tell parents when a client is high risk and she did this.

The inquest was adjourned to May 21.