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

I welcome Mr. Philip Moyles, chairperson, No Fry Zone 4 Kids committee; Ms Jennifer Feighan, chief executive, Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute; Ms Louise Reynolds, communications manager, Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute; and Dr. Mimi Tatlow-Golden, lecturer, school of education, childhood youth and sport, faculty of wellbeing, education and language studies, at the Open University. I welcome members of the public who are watching proceedings on Oireachtas TV.

Before we commence, in accordance with procedure, I am required to draw witnesses' 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 committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to do so, they are entitled thereafter only to qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. Witnesses are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or 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.

I remind members and all our guests to switch off their mobile phones or put them on flight mode, because if they are on or muted, they will interfere with our electronic communications systems which will affect the broadcast quality and the job of parliamentary reporters, and it will affect the broadcast quality for individuals watching online as well.

I advise witnesses that any submission or opening statement submitted to the committee will be published on its website after the meeting.

I invite Mr. Philip Moyles to make his opening statement.