I acknowledge the devastating tragedy on Burrow Beach in north Dublin at the weekend when a 15-year-old teenager sadly lost her life. My thoughts are with her parents, family and friends and the wider community. I want to respect the family's wish for privacy as they grieve their daughter. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis. This tragedy raises a serious public concern that we cannot ignore which is affecting areas in north Dublin and across Ireland. Summer is arriving earlier and lasting longer each year. In that context, the current seasonal pattern on the basis of which lifeguards are provided by councils is not acceptable. The reality is that weather patterns are changing. Beaches are now packed as early as March and as late as October during hot spells. Will the Government examine a national protocol for weather-triggered beach safety responses in conjunction with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the Coast Guard and all the hardworking men and women of our emergency services? If a proactive approach can save even one life, surely we have a responsibility to act.

Sentiment score: 0.02