Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is interesting to me as I did not know the background of what happened at that time with the political establishment, Professor Keane and the elements involved with implementing the national cancer control programme. I do not know if Professor Keane agrees but the first point seemed to be identifying the problem, as there was a big issue with cancer then. It was when Ms Susie Long died because she was a public patient and all the issues that came around it. The problem was very identifiable. It was then about implementing the strategy and getting political support. In a way we are trying to look at that here as a committee, basing our outcome on evidence-based criteria for a national health service free at the point of entry, with equal access for all. We must develop the evidence to put forward to the political establishment that this is the reason we need such an objective and how we can implement it.

Does the witness believe we need somebody from outside to implement any change? He was seconded because of his experience in British Columbia, its history and background, and he was given a particular role. Does he believe we need to consider somebody from outside, potentially, to implement an agreed strategy based on evidence? Professor Keane made a point that really struck me about linking with colleges, speaking with people and negotiating. It strikes me that the Limerick group has linked with the GPs, hospitals, chief executives and other strands of health care professionals in order to make something work. It is something we should look at as a committee if and when we decide what kind of health care system we recommend.

Professor Keane made a point about legislation that has been introduced to ensure the private sector would have the same high standards as the public service.