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

I welcome everyone to this meeting of the Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs at which we will continue our hearings on tackling childhood obesity. We will hear a presentation by a representative of the GAA, Gaelic Athletic Association. I welcome its community and health manager, Mr. Colin Regan, whom I thank for coming before us. I also welcome members of the committee and viewers who might be watching our proceedings on Oireachtas TV.

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. If, however, 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 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.

I remind members and delegates to, please, switch off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode, as they interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for the parliamentary reporters to report the proceedings of the meeting. Television coverage and web streaming can also be adversely affected.

I advise Mr. Regan that any submission or opening statement he has submitted to the committee will be published on its website after the meeting. After his presentation there will be a quick question and answer session. I call on him to make his opening statement.