Thanks for all your comments guys, back to the books for me.
Bravo - thanks for the info, good to hear the IR syllabi are less dense than the ATPL equivalents, i thought they were the same exams. With regards to your mention of - CPL theory + IR theory = ATPL theory... are you saying that this is applicable to me because although i did the full ATPL syllabus it has since lapsed to CPL Theory or do you think that presuming i complete the IR i will still get the 5 years from the IR test/renewal?
helimutt - didn't mean to strike a chord, i really meant to ask if there are any 'circumstances' rather than 'exceptions'. I don't consider myself an exception, however in my experiences with the CAA there are occasionally circumstances that may alter the stated requirements, and sometimes we need a little help with exactly where to look. Would rather ask to be sure
Cheers all, Aucky