Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Apologies have been received from Senator Frances Black. Before we go to the main item on today's agenda, the minutes of the committee meeting of 7 February 2024 have been circulated to members for consideration. Are they agreed? Agreed.

The purpose of the meeting is for the joint committee to consider public health and commercial determinants of health. This meeting will be divided into two sessions. The joint committee will first meet the Minister of State with responsibility for public health, well-being and the national drugs strategy, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton, following which we will meet the Irish Health Promotion Alliance and Dr. Norah Campbell. To commence the committee's consideration of this matter, I am pleased to welcome from the Department of Health, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State, Ms Louise Kissane, principal officer in the food and environmental health unit, and Ms Catherine Curran, assistant principal for health and well-being.

I will read a note on privilege. Witnesses are reminded of the longstanding parliamentary practice that 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 or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory with regard to an identifiable person or entity, they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

Members are reminded of the longstanding 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 of the constitutional requirement that members must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit members to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, if any member attempts to participate from outside the precincts, he or she will be asked to leave the meeting. I will ask any members participating via MS Teams that, prior to making their contribution to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

To commence our consideration of public health and commercial determinants of health, I invite the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, to make her opening remarks. I believe it is her first attendance. She is very welcome to the committee.