John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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2443. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if future decision support services will accept paper submissions to register an enduring power of attorney for elderly or vulnerable people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42893/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for their question regarding applications for enduring powers of attorney (EPAs).

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.

Ensuring that the application process is accessible to those seeking to plan for the future is integral. While the Decision Support Service (DSS) operates a digital-first policy, it is not a digital-only policy. It is therefore important to note that whilst, under the accessibility policy introduced by the DSS in July 2024, digital applications are promoted in order to ensure that applications can be processed in a timely manner, paper/manual applications remain available for those who cannot, for a variety of reasons, utilise the online application system.

This includes persons who are unable to use the online portal for reasons linked to disability, lack of digital ability or connectivity, or in other exceptional circumstances that can prevent digital access. The DSS will always support a person to find a workable solution so that they can progress their application.

As of the end of June 2025, over 3,000 enduring powers of attorney have been registered with the DSS, over 50% of which have been registered in the first half of 2025. These figures indicate robust engagement with the new system since the introduction of the accessibility policy, and a growing awareness by adults of the importance of planning for the future.

My Department will continue to work with the DSS and other stakeholders to ensure that the EPA application process remains accessible and fit for purpose.