Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That was not correct. I appreciate that the previous contribution I made was more helpful than some of my previous contributions. The reason there was a five-year window was that we might have required applicants to have an additional layer of qualifications to be on the specialist register. The five-year window allowed for that. The people involved were perfectly qualified, trained and experienced but to get on the specialist register, they may have needed to complete a course or to add another layer. I am not a medical expert so I do not know what is involved but they may have needed an additional layer. They may have needed to undergo additional training, as is the case in many areas, in terms of continuous professional development because standards are being raised all the time. They may have been eligible at the time but the goalposts have changed now and they are no longer eligible. In that context, they may need to fill that gap.