Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Gerry Duffy and Mr. Jorge Arroita, directors at Murduff Wholesale Limited; and from safefood Dr. Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, director of human health and nutrition, and Ms Fiona Gilligan, director of marketing and communications. Some of us will know Ms Gilligan from "Operation Transformation". This is our latest meeting on our priority topic of tackling childhood obesity. We had a number of meetings on this topic before the summer recess. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick is our rapporteur for the report we will be producing at the conclusion of our deliberations.

Witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. However, if they are directed by it to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against a person, persons or an entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable. Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice and the rulings of the Chair to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person or persons outside the Houses or an official by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

I call on Dr. Foley-Nolan to make her opening remarks.