Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)
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I welcome the witnesses to this meeting where we continue our hearings on the topic of tackling childhood obesity. We will have presentations from representatives of the Departments of Children and Youth Affairs, Health and Education and Skills. I welcome to the meeting Dr. Anne-Marie Brooks, principal officer, early years policy and research, Department of Children and Youth Affairs; Ms Ruth Doggett, Ms Kate O'Flaherty, director of health and well-being programme, and Mr. Liam McCormack, assistant principal officer, Department of Health; and Mr. Eamon Cusack, principal officer, and Ms Rita Sexton, assistant principal officer, Department of Education and Skills. I welcome members and viewers who may be watching our proceedings on Oireachtas television to the public session of this committee.

I will read the note on privilege, which the witnesses may have heard before. Before we commence, in accordance with procedure, I am required to draw the witnesses' attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, they are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to the committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a 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 they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons 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 witnesses to turn off their mobile phones, which may interfere with the sound system and television coverage which is being streamed.

I advise our witnesses that any submissions or opening statements they make to the committee will be published on the committee's website. I am sure they are familiar with that fact. After the presentations there will be questions from members. There is a lot going on inside and outside the Houses today so unfortunately a few members are unable to attend this morning but the witnesses can rest assured the rest of us will have plenty of questions and we will have good interaction.

I call on Dr. Brooks to make her opening statement.