Dr. Colm O'Reardon:

I will speak in particular about medical places. There is a lot of activity and a lot of work being done. It is important to say the Department does not set a limit on the number of places that third level institutions can offer on these types of courses. However, in practical terms, in order to increase the level of provision in some of these courses, we do hit barriers that might have to do with capital spending or might be connected with clinical placements. Part of the training for a doctor or a nurse is a clinical placement. They have to find a place in a hospital and they have to have a trainer who is skilled in training them. A number of these issues have to be addressed. We are working with the Department of Health on medical places and with the Department of agriculture on veterinary places. There has been quite a lot of activity. Mr. Moynes is closer to this and might speak on it.