This week marks the fourth anniversary of the war in Ukraine. Across Ireland over the past few days there have been vigils that have been both sober and emotional for the Ukrainians who are living here. Since the beginning of the war Russia has abducted around 35,000 Ukrainian children but that figure could actually be much higher. So far, more than 15,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed, including 739 children, due to the relentless and indiscriminate attacks from Russia, according to figures from the UN. I would like to see Ireland leading on negotiations specifically around the return of these children.

In October last year I asked the Ukrainian ambassador what support they needed and she drew specific attention to the question of mental health. The Irish Red Cross is leading on mental health supports through a trauma-informed approach. Wwe must ensure that it is equipped and funded to keep that service going. The ongoing trauma is significant for people in Ukraine and for those Ukrainians living in Ireland who have family and friends at home, living in a war zone, from whom they are separated.

The EU has committed to a loan to Ukraine and I would like to see Ireland lead on getting that funding transferred to Ukraine as quickly as possible to support the reconstruction and humanitarian efforts, despite the obstacles coming from Hungary. War is never the answer and peace can never be achieved through military means. Dialogue is the only way. It is the only pathway for securing peace and the international community must stand firm against Putin's breaches of international law.

I was appalled but not really surprised yesterday by the US Government's abstention on the UN General Assembly vote calling for a ceasefire. The idea that a ceasefire or an end to the killing is in any way controversial is ridiculous. As peace talks continue, we need to acknowledge that they are fragile. For a lasting and just peace, Ukraine cannot be strong-armed into an agreement which does not reflect the brutality of Russia's illegal war. I have always believed Ireland has a role to play, given our position of neutrality, in engaging as a meaningful interlocutor on these questions and I would like to see the Department of foreign affairs doing so much more.

I also want to acknowledge that this week is eating disorder awareness week. Despite increased awareness around those who suffer from eating disorders, sufferers are still woefully under-served in Ireland. One in 20 people will have an eating disorder at some stage in their lifetime. While this is something that predominantly affects girls and women, data from 2023 indicates that 25% of sufferers are men and boys. This is something to be cognisant of because there is still so much stigma for people who suffer from eating disorders in terms of being able to express it and that stigma is particularly difficult for boys and men. We have major gaps in eating disorder services, particularly for those under 18. The timelines for the additional 19 adult beds that have been promised are still very much up in the air. I would like us to consider having a health debate specifically related to disordered eating because it is so pervasive in our communities. The online space and social media contribute to people's sense of self-image. Disordered eating is, first and foremost, a mental health condition and it merits a substantive debate in this Chamber.