Dr. Sharon McGuinness:

The overall matters being inquired into by the scoping inquiry are of the highest possible importance to women and society in general and we take them very seriously indeed. I can categorically reassure the committee that lessons have been learned, procedures were immediately reviewed and changed and system improvements have already been implemented. We were and are committed to having a strong and robust system, which provides confidence in accreditation. I am also deeply aware that this lapse on our part added further concern and worry for all the women involved. This is something I profoundly regret and unequivocally apologise for. I thank the Chairman and members of the committee.