Professor Jim Finucane:

I would like to reply if that is acceptable. If I gave the impression that I was in any way critical of the Medical Council, I apologise. That was certainly not my intention. I very much value its engagement in this process. We very much value its stamp or seal of quality approval. In mentioning legal advantages or disadvantages, I wanted to make the point that this is not a way of giving the students some kind of underhanded access to Ireland or anything like that. They have no more access to Ireland than anyone else. It would be a privilege for them and we would be delighted if the Medical Council were in a position to pass commentary on the quality of the programme. In no way was I suggesting any criticism of the Medical Council.