THE MOTHER OF tragic teenagers Erin and Shannon Gallagher has filed a legal action against Donegal VEC.

Lorraine Gallagher is suing the school authority in connection with the death of her youngest daughter Erin.

The Donegal girl was just 13 when she took her own life in October 2012. Just weeks later, her older sister Shannon, 15, died by suicide.

The deaths sparked outrage over alleged bullying and cyberbullying. Their mother believes the school failed to provide a safe environment for Erin.

The necessary papers were filed with the courts service on 23 August this year by Letterkenny-based solicitors Gallagher and Brennan. It is understood that the Gallagher family is claiming damages for mental distress.

Useful support services for teenagers

• www.spunout.ie – website with varied and very useful information on a broad range of youth health matters
• www.letsomeoneknow.ie – a HSE website aimed at teenagers giving advice about looking after themselves or others
• www.reachout.com – website for any young person with concerns or questions about mental health
• www.RD4U.org.uk – Online bereavement support service for young people
• www.barnardos.ie/teenhelp – an information web-site for young people coping with difficulties

If you feel you need to speak with someone, call one of the numbers below:

• Samaritans 1850 60 90 90 or email jo@samaritans.org
• Teen-Line Ireland 1800 833 634
• Console 1800 201 890
• Aware 1890 303 302
• Pieta House 01 601 0000 or email mary@pieta.ie
• Childline 1800 66 66 66

Read: Fitzgerald concerned about difficulty of regulating cyberbullying sites

More: HSE liasing with Shannon Gallagher family following tragic death