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

I welcome all of the delegates to continue our hearings on the topic of tackling childhood obesity. We will hear presentations by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the County and City Management Association, CCMA. I welcome Mr. Colin Ryan from the forward planning section of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and Ms Patricia Curran, assistant principal officer in the same Department. I welcome Ms Joan Martin, chief executive of Louth County Council, who is representing the CCMA. I welcome committee members and those watching the 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 joint 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 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 turn off their mobile phones or switch them to flight mode because they interfere with the sound system and make it difficult for parliamentary reporters to report the proceedings of the meeting. Television coverage and Internet streaming might also be affected adversely. I advise the delegates that any submission or opening statement made to the committee will be published on its website after the meeting. After their presentation, there will be questions from members. I call Mr. Ryan to make his opening statement.