Joan Freeman (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish everybody a good morning. I hope the witnesses will forgive the low attendance. I promise they will be watched. This is our last week so, as the witnesses can imagine, people will be coming and going. We are very interested in what they have to say. Everything will be recorded. People will be watching and we are delighted that the witnesses are here this morning. I welcome them all to this meeting of the Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs to continue our hearings on the topic of tackling childhood obesity. We will now have presentations from representatives of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland and Food Drink Ireland. I welcome from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, Mr. Michael O'Keeffe, chief executive, and Mr. Declan McLoughlin, senior manager; from Food Drink Ireland, Mr. Kevin McPartlan, director of prepared consumer foods, and Ms Ailbhe Byrne, executive; and from the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland, Ms Orla Twomey, chief executive, and Mr. Michael Lee, assistant chief executive. I also welcome Members and viewers who may be watching proceedings on Oireachtas TV .

Before we commence, and in accordance with procedure, I am required to draw the attention of witnesses 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 this 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 are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person 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 in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

I remind members and witnesses to turn off their mobile phones. They should at least place them in aeroplane mode because they can cause serious havoc. I also advise our witnesses that any submission or opening statements they have made will be published on the committee's website after the meeting. After the witnesses' presentations there will be questions from the members of the committee. I invite Mr. O'Keeffe to make his opening statement.