Psychological/psychiatric reports

These may be granted by:

Higher Executive Officers and above

If you receive an application for a report, seek the following information:

• The reasons for which a report is sought 

Grant an application for one psychological/psychiatric report where (either factor is true):

• the welfare of children is an issue in the case;
• in nullity cases; where the solicitor certifies that such a report is necessary. 

The grant will provide generally that:

• one report is being authorised
• The Board will only pay 50% of the costs, if the other party is not legally aided

But a solicitor can make an application for full funding, if exceptional circumstances arise.

Consider refusing the application if it does not fall into either category above.

If you receive an application for a second or subsequent report, seek the following information:

• the date the original psychiatrist/psychologist report was obtained;
• what has happened in the meantime to justify obtaining a second or follow-on report;
• the specific reasons which justify the additional expenditure; and
• a certification by the solicitor that the report is necessary for the case. 

Grant the application if:

• Having considered the above the decision maker is satisfied that the solicitor has made an appropriate case that a second or subsequent report would be beneficial to the applicant’s case and
• The solicitor has certified that the report is necessary for the case.
   

Consider refusing the application if:

• It does not appear that there would be any benefit to the applicant in granting the second report
  [Refuse having regard to s24(a) and (b)]
• The solicitor does not certify that the report is necessary to the case.
  [Refuse having regard to s24(a) and (b)]