Professor Tony Ryan:

On Deputy Crowe's comments on sustainability and how things happen, when I look back at our project it brings to mind the book, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. The author of that book, Malcolm Gladwell, mentions four different ways in which things happen. I am of the view that these could be applied locally. One of them is that one needs a small group of committed citizens in order to get something done. In short, one needs a dedicated group. I am sure that, as politicians, members are aware of the importance of small groups of committed people. Connectors are also required. We had a very strong connector with a local paediatrician from Sudan, who is really committed to making things better in his home country. Knowledge makers are also needed. For us, the knowledge makers were Sudanese doctors who returned to their country and decided to see if they could make a difference in introducing evidence-based practices in the largest maternity hospital there. The fourth thing required was the "stickiness factor". This related to trying to keep things happening in Sudan and to keep the doctors there. One reason which encouraged them to stay was the fact that they were recognised. One of the ways in which they were given recognition was via the Irish health awards. We brought them over to accept their award and when they returned home they were recognised for what they had done. I was surprised by the difference the award made for them.

The four aspects to which I refer really created sustainability for them. In other words, they allowed them to carry on. We were just there to support them. The four aspects also delivered a message to me in respect of partnership.