Statutory responsibility for the operation of the register of nurses is vested in An Bord Altranais. While it is not open to me to give a direction to the board in relation to the register, I have met senior representatives of the board and impressed on them the need for flexibility in relation to the sites at which supervised clinical placements may be provided for nurses from certain non-EU countries who are required to undertake such placements prior to registration. I have been informed that the board is reviewing its assessment requirements and that it will decide on any changes to the present system at its next meeting.