The Family Proceedings Rules (Northern Ireland) 1996

Conduct of medical examination

2.27.—(1) The examination under rule 2.26 shall, if either party so requires, be held at the residence of one of the medical inspectors appointed or at some other convenient place selected by them and in every other case shall be held at the Matrimonial Office.

(2) Where a medical inspection takes place at a place other than the Matrimonial Office every party presenting himself for examination shall sign, in the presence of the inspector or inspectors, a statement that he is the person referred to as the petitioner or respondent, as the case may be, in the order for the examination, and at the conclusion of the examination the inspector or inspectors shall certify on the statement that it was signed in his or their presence by the person who has been examined. Where the medical inspection takes place in the Matrimonial Office the identification shall be conducted before the Master in such manner as he may direct.

(3) Every report made in pursuance of rule 2.26 shall be filed and either party shall be entitled to be supplied with a copy on payment of the prescribed fee.

(4) It shall not be necessary in any cause for the inspector or inspectors to attend or give evidence at the trial unless required either by the court of its own motion or by either party to do so after receiving appropriate notice.

(5) Where pursuant to paragraph (4) the evidence of the inspector or inspectors is not given at the trial, his or their report shall be treated as information furnished to the court by a court expert and be given such weight as the court thinks fit.