Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will hear a presentation by the National Nutrition Surveillance Centre of the UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science. Dr. Sinead Murphy is a consultant paediatrician with a special interest in childhood obesity and a member of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland policy group on obesity. She is joined by members of the clinical advisory group on obesity. They are all welcome and I thank them for accepting our invitation. We are joined by Professor Cecily Kelleher, Dr. Silvia Bel-Serrat, Professor Donal O'Shea, Dr. Cheryl Flanagan and Dr. Brendan O'Shea. I thank them for their attendance and participation. In accordance with procedure, I am required to draw their attention to the fact that, by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the joint committee. However, if they are directed by the committee 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 any person 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 to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the Houses or an official, either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Any submission or opening statement made will be published on the committee's website after the meeting. I understand the delegates intend to make a short presentation to the committee which will be followed by questions from members. I propose to finish proceedings one hour from now at 12.30 p.m. Will Professor Kelleher, please, make her opening statement?