Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising what is a very important issue for many people. Ensuring that the enduring power of attorney application process is a user-centric and accessible one is a priority for the Department and the Decision Support Service. The Minister has informed me that there is ongoing engagement between the Decision Support Service and the Law Society to ensure the smooth running of the service. This is the beginning of a series of engagements between both parties underlining our commitment set out in the programme for Government to introduce a solicitors' portal. The Government is committed to doing that. The Deputy's issue is when and how fast it can happen.

The Department is also considering the operational period of the Decision Support Service and the uptake of the new system of supported decision-making in that regard to assemble an evidence base for the next steps. I will talk to the Minister with a view to trying to get progress accelerated on this. I like the Deputy's idea of kiosks in libraries and community settings. That is a very good idea. That would create an accessible, user-friendly system.

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