668. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department has reviewed the enduring power of attorney process to assess how user-friendly it is and identify opportunities for simplification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51586/26]

I thank the Deputy for their question regarding the application process for Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs) under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act, 2015. EPAs are a vital advance planning tool that enable adults to plan ahead for a time when they may have diminished decision-making capacity, ensuring that a person’s wishes are known and respected.

The Decision Support Service (DSS) has statutory responsibility for the operation of many of the provisions of the 2015 Act including the registration of EPAs. Ensuring that the application system for decision support arrangements is as user-centric and as accessible as possible is a priority for the Department and is central to the work of the DSS.

On foot of stakeholder feedback the DSS has implemented a number of changes to improve the EPA application process and to address the accessibility needs of users of the service.

As part of this, in February 2026, the DSS launched a dedicated new website - www.myepa.ie - designed to guide individuals step by step through the process of creating an EPA in a clear and accessible way. The site brings together all relevant information and supports in one place and is intended to assist donors, attorneys, family members and solicitors alike in understanding their options and responsibilities. It also provides guidance on future planning and offers reassurance that support is available throughout the process. This along with a dedicated EPA helpdesk facility, and helpful instructional videos and other guidance material provided on the DSS website, ensures that all adults wishing to plan for the future are supported in doing so. In that regard almost 7,000 EPAs have been registered by the DSS since April 2023.

While the DSS has a digital-first policy when it comes to EPA applications, it is important to note that there remains a facility for manual applications to be submitted by those who cannot, for a variety of reasons, utilise the online application system. The DSS will ensure that all applicants can avail of the support and advice required to ensure that they can complete their application to have their EPA registered.

The 2015 Act requires that a review of the operation and effectiveness of the Act must take place no later than five years after its commencement. That review, which will commence this year, will be extensive, will consider all aspects of the Act, and, most importantly, will be informed by those with lived experiences of the provisions of the Act and by wider stakeholders.

I look forward to continued engagement with all stakeholders to ensure that those who face diminished decision-making capacity are enabled to retain as much autonomy over their lives as possible, and have their wishes documented and respected.