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

I reiterate apologies have been received from Senator Hoey. Apologies have also been received from Deputy Cullinane, who has had to leave for a conference.

Minutes of the committee meetings of 2 July and 3 July 2024 have been circulated among members for their consideration. Are they agreed? Agreed.

The purpose of today's meeting is to consider the issue of childhood obesity with the Minister of State responsible for public health, well-being and the national drugs strategy, Deputy Colm Burke. This is his first appearance before the committee since his appointment. I welcome him and the officials from the Department of Health and the HSE. From Safefood, I welcome Dr. Gary A. Kearney, chief executive officer, Dr. Aileen McGloin, nutrition director, and Ms Joana Caldeira Fernandes da Silva, chief specialist in nutrition.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity either 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 in respect of 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 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 of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate at public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask any member participating via Microsoft Teams to confirm, prior to making his or contribution to the meeting, they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

To commence our consideration of the issue of childhood obesity, I invite the Minister of State to make his opening remarks.