Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

I hold Professor Tom Keane in high regard. He impressed me so much when I met him in Canada that I asked him would he consider coming to Ireland. I did not expect to receive a positive response and I was delighted when he decided to come here. He was appointed to a specific position of overseeing the implementation of the cancer control programme on a contract we agreed with his then employer, the cancer agency of British Columbia. I have not expressed a preference, although I stated when asked in Cork about Professor Keane's decision to leave the country that I would love him to stay in the country. I indicated quickly, however, that the CEO of the HSE was not a matter for me but an entirely independent process. That remains the position and I have not expressed a view to the chairman or any member of the board, nor have I been asked for a view on the matter.

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