Déanaim comhghairdeas le seacht scoil ar bronnadh Gaelbhratach orthu. Tá Athy College ar cheann de na scoileanna sin. Tá trí scoil eile ag glacadh páirt sa scéim freisin, is iad sin, St. Conleth and Mary’s Primary Scoil, an Droichead Nua; Scoil Phádraig Naofa, Athy; agus Scoil Bhríde, Kilcullen. Tá mé an-bhródúil astu. This is an excellent programme, and it is important we highlight both those who received the flags for their use of Irish language and also encourage others to participate. It is important we show our pride in the schools that take part in this initiative.

Yesterday, I started to speak about Maxine Maguire. Maxine was a young girl whom I taught in primary school many years ago. She was a lovely, bubbly, gorgeous girl who was much loved by family and friends. Maxine was a much-loved daughter, sister, granddaughter and friend. She had been suffering with her mental health for quite some time and when it became too much on 2 December 2016, she bravely reached out for help and support. She was scared and vulnerable when, together with family members, she arrived at a hospital where she had previously spent some time with the same illness, namely, with depression and suicidal tendencies. It was at this point that Maxine, having plucked up every ounce of courage within her to get that far, was turned away by the hospital she had considered a safe place and by the experts in whom she had placed her trust.

It requires a strength like no other to reach out and seek help when feeling helpless and alone. Unfortunately, when Maxine sought help in this instance, she was sent home and did not get any. Sadly, not long afterwards, Maxine succeeded in her suicide attempt. That was nine years ago, and it has been a long journey for Maxine's parents, Robbie and Kathy, for her two brothers and for her many friends. Many agreed that had Maxine arrived in hospital with a physical illness, she would have been seen immediately. However, I want to put on record that the help Maxine received during the physical part of her illness in St. Vincent's hospital liver unit and in St. James's Hospital burn unit was second to none.

It took nine years for the HSE to finally admit it was wrong last week and it will be issuing a public apology to Maxine's parents and family. Several years ago, I drafted a Bill called Maxine's Bill relating to seven recommendations that at Maxine's inquest, the HSE said it would implement. The core recommendations focused on fixing critical failures in Ireland's mental health system such as faster assessments, better continuity of care, senior clinical oversight and a major IT system reform. I commend the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health, Deputy Butler, on the Mental Health Act, which has completely modernised the system. However, in looking at those recommendations, I will absolutely be evaluating them against the new legislation.

Maxine's life mattered, her death mattered and I am standing here in memory of Maxine. She will never be forgotten and we need a better system that will not let others down.