(1)

(a) A person ordinarily resident in the State, other than a person referred to in paragraph (c) or (d) of subsection (1) of section 6, who wishes to make an application for State support shall apply for a care needs assessment.

(b) A person ordinarily resident in the State, who is a person referred to in paragraph (c) or (d) of subsection (1) of section 6, who wishes to make an application for State support may apply for a care needs assessment.

(2) Where it appears to a specified person that -

(a) a person ordinarily resident in the State may need care services, and

(b) that person, by reason of ill-health, a physical disability or a mental condition, is unable to make an application for a care needs assessment,

the specified person may apply to the Executive for a care needs assessment on behalf of that person.

(3) An application for a care needs assessment shall be made to the Executive in the specified form.