Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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162. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the length of time it is taking the Decision Support Service to process enduring power of attorney applications; when an application (details supplied) will be finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6652/26]

Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for their question regarding the Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) application process which is managed by the Decision Support Service (DSS).

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 and timely for all individuals is of key importance.

It is important to note that an EPA is an instrument for advance, long-term planning. A correctly completed EPA currently takes approximately five months for the DSS to review and register. This timeframe includes a statutory notice and objection period of five weeks, as required by legislation. A registration timeframe of approximately five months reflects a careful, legally required process that prioritises protection, certainty, and long-term effectiveness and is largely similar to other jurisdictions.

Investing time at the registration stage ensures that an EPA meets all requirements and is capable of being activated quickly at the second stage if the donor loses capacity. In the event that the donor loses capacity in the period before the EPA is registered by the DSS, a procedure is in place for the attorney to contact the DSS to expedite the process.

The second stage to activate the EPA takes six to eight weeks, which again includes a statutory notice period of five weeks. During this period, the Act makes provision for the attorney to commence decision-making in extreme cases. It is, of course, always the hope that a person does not lose their decision-making capacity and that an EPA will not need to be activated for a long time after it is registered, if indeed ever.

In regard to the specific case referenced, the Department has been informed by the DSS that a member of their registration team has contacted the applicant to advise them that their application is in order, is currently being dealt with by the DSS registration team, and will be registered as soon as possible.

The DSS has a dedicated EPA helpdesk in place to assist EPA applicants throughout the process. They can be contacted by phone at (01) 211 9750 or via email at EPAhelpdesk@decisionsupportservice.ie and the DSS will provide whatever advice and support is required to ensure that an EPA can be registered.