I support what Senator McCormack said about the horrific Women's Aid statistics published earlier. Domestic violence in this country has reached epidemic proportions. I remind the House that we had an extensive debate on the matter with the Minister for justice on 12 May but I agree with the Senator that we must do anything we can to stop the violence.

Last week, I made an impassioned plea regarding the proposed closure of the 14 step-down beds at the Cottage Hospital in Drogheda, saying that it must not happen. Following extensive meetings with management over the week and intervention by the Minister of State, Deputy Murnane O'Connor, and others, we have a stay of execution in respect of those beds. I cannot overstate how vital this service is. It frees up beds in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, which is already under severe pressure. This is a service for elderly and vulnerable people and to remove it from the town is unthinkable.

I attended a very busy protest rally on Monday. There were so many people there. I started a petition, and we have almost 1,100 signatures on it. This is not going to happen, but at the same time it is only just a review that is taking place at the moment so I have to keep the pressure on. We have to make sure that HSE management and the Minister for Health are aware of this. This is not just happening in Drogheda but right across the country. Our smaller grassroots healthcare is being downgraded when we need it to be upgraded, especially in large towns and emerging cities like Drogheda.

If the Cathaoirleach will indulge me, I want to comment on the fact that we have what I suppose passes for a heatwave in Ireland at the moment. We are experiencing very high temperatures, and young people want to go out, swim and have fun. Without wanting to spoil any fun and games, I urge Members to please speak to their children. Let them know that if they are not particularly strong swimmers or if they are swimming in a dangerous area where there are no lifeguards, they should take care. We do not want to have any more statistics with regard to the loss of young people.