Mr. Tony Kieran:

Deputy Butler raised the issue of drawing up a standard form which could be given to GPs or other persons who would be certifying. I led the review of the domiciliary care allowance and it was during the latter that the standard form to which Dr. Singh referred, form Dom Care 3, was designed. We put that standard form into use - with the agreement of parents' representatives, the Carers Association, etc., who were involved in our group - but shortly thereafter we discovered that while it captured all the information required, it caused some issues for people who already had obtained consultant reports or whatever. We were obliged to specify that we were not making this mandatory and, where it can be completed, it is a very useful form. We had to clarify on our website that while the standard form is in use, we will also accept evidence in any format in which it can be presented. There are issues with regard to the standardisation of forms, particularly as this might require someone being requested to return his or her GP or consultant in order to obtain specific information for inclusion on form Dom Care 3. Whereas as matters stand, if we get the information, we will accept and process it.