Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

567. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department will provide a manual application form for enduring powers of attorney through the DSS (details supplied) as the person has been unable to utilise the online system with the EPA helpdesk. [50246/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for their question regarding the Decision Support Service (DSS) and the Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA) application system. 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 EPA application process is accessible for all individuals is of key importance.

In July of last year, a new accessibility policy was implemented by the DSS which includes a dedicated EPA helpdesk service to ensure that individuals who require additional assistance in completing an online EPA application are supported in doing so. This enhanced helpdesk service, alongside instructional videos and other guidance material provided on the DSS website, were introduced to ensure that the application process is as efficient and user-friendly as possible. The helpdesk staff are available to assist all applicants at any stage of the process should they need it.

While the accessibility policy serves to support users to engage with the online portal, it does not preclude the use of manual applications in certain circumstances. Those who are unable to utilise the online application portal, whether due to accessibility or digital literacy reasons, are facilitated in making an EPA application manually.

Those individuals who are having difficulty engaging with the online platform can contact the DSS by phone at (01) 211 9750 or via email at EPAhelpdesk@decisionsupportservice.ie and the DSS will work to support that person to finalise their EPA application.