Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

However, Deputy Ring's comments on Professor Keane are unfortunate. We have procured the services of Professor Keane and other services from the British Columbia Cancer Centre for a two-year period and the sum of money is €600,000. That is not the salary of Professor Keane. Most surgeons working in this city earn substantially more than that in one year. This man is incredible value for money, though I hate using the term. We are very fortunate to have someone of his competence, experience and expertise to implement the cancer control programme. Everyone who has met him, including clinicians, nurses, managers and administrators are deeply impressed with the speed with which he sought to implement the cancer control plan. He came here last November and he tells me that, in respect of breast cancer, he is ahead of schedule, which is very reassuring. He is working with clinicians around the country to get clinical buy-in. Just a few weeks ago he addressed 200 surgeons at the Royal College of Surgeons. He left the room with everyone agreeing that his methodology and his plan was the way forward.

Regarding Mayo, the clinicians support Professor Keane, particularly Dr. Barry, the breast surgeon there. I have publicly saluted Dr. Barry's courage.

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