Minister launches new Enduring Power of Attorney website

Dedicated online resource will further assist Irish adults to plan ahead with confidence, clarity and support*

Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins TD, has welcomed the launch of a new, dedicated Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) website called www.myepa.ie - developed by the Decision Support Service (DSS) - to help adults plan ahead and make their own EPA with confidence, clarity and support.

The new website - which the Minister has unveiled with broadcasters Eileen Dunne and Brendan Courtney - has brought together already existing resources onto one accessible and easy-to-use platform, which has been designed specifically to bring people on a step-by-step journey through the process of creating an EPA under the DSS’s purpose-built system.

An enduring power of attorney is a legal arrangement that lets an adult plan ahead for a time when they may not be able to make decisions for themselves because of an illness, an accident, or other unforeseen circumstances. It lets them set out the types of decisions they may need someone to make for them, and appoint someone they trust to be able to make those decisions on their behalf.

Since its establishment in 2023, the DSS has not only been assisting individuals who may currently be unable to make decisions independently, but has also been supporting those who wish to plan ahead in the event they are unable to do so in the future.

The DSS has registered more than 5,400 EPAs from individuals across Ireland, of which just under 2,000 were registered in the second half of 2025 alone. Another 2,800 EPAs are with the service for review and registration. Once they are reviewed to ensure they are compliant and can be relied on in the future, they are registered on a secure, online system to be accessed only if the need arises. The registration fee charged by the DSS is €30.

Speaking on the launch, Minister Higgins said: “I am delighted to participate in the launch by the Decision Support Service of their new Enduring Powers of Attorney website which forms part of a wider campaign by the Decision Support Service to encourage all adults to plan ahead.

“Ensuring that people are supported and empowered to have as much control as possible over the decisions that affect them has been central to much of the work of the department. EPAs do exactly that, as they give people the ability to decide for themselves what they would like to happen, if their capacity to make decisions diminishes.

“The new website - www.myepa.ie - is a great resource that will provide clear, accessible information that empowers people to make their own EPA. I am especially glad to hear that more than 70% of those who have registered an EPA are in the 70-89 age bracket, proving that the new online process is already working well for the older generation.

“I would encourage adults at all stages of life to plan for the future by putting not just an EPA in place, but also an advance healthcare directive.

“I look forward to continuing to support the Decision Support Service as they work to promote the rights and interests of people who may need support with decision-making.”

The Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission, John Farrelly, said: “Between registered and submitted applications, there are currently more than 8,000 EPAs on the DSS online system. We expect that this new dedicated website – along with additional advertising, stakeholder support and other forms of outreach - will further increase awareness and uptake of EPAs across the country. Research has shown that while the option to make an EPA has existed since 1996, only 8% of Irish adults currently have one in place, something that we would all like to see increase to match or exceed figures in comparable jurisdictions such as England, Scotland and Wales where between 20-22% of adults have a similar power of attorney document in place.”

The Director of the Decision Support Service, Áine Flynn, said: “Any of us could - suddenly or progressively - lose capacity to make our own decisions about our money and property and our personal welfare. Making an EPA is an exercise in long-term planning which every adult should consider now to ensure that our wishes will be understood and respected during our own lifetime, whatever happens. It allows us to nominate the person or persons who will step in as our authorised decision-makers. The legislation underpinning it has introduced new safeguards, oversight and supports to help ensure that EPAs operate as they should.”

Brendan Courtney said: “The www.myepa.ie website makes the process of explaining how one creates an enduring power of attorney clear, simple, and achievable, even if you’re not confident with technology. It guides you step by step, with clear explanations and it is reassuring to know that there is support available at the end of a telephone line if needed.”

Eileen Dunne said: “I would encourage all adults - not just those approaching retirement - to start putting an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) in place through the DSS. Often, people assume this is something to think about ‘later in life’, but the reality is that planning ahead protects our future, our wishes, and our loved ones.

“We need a shift in mindset to normalise this. I’m now looking into doing my own EPA, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how straightforward it is. Knowing that the DSS helpdesk team is available makes it even easier to get started, so I would encourage others not to put it off and to visit www.myepa.ie.”

Áine Flynn added: “Over the past three years, we have engaged extensively with communities nationwide - through events, advertising, and general outreach - to make planning ahead easier for everyone. Our research has shown that while approximately 92% of people do not yet have an EPA, 31% plan to make one within the next few years. Our stated objective is to turn that intention into action - by ensuring people have access to the right resources, information, and support.

“Our new website recognises the practical and sometimes emotional challenges that can surround EPAs. We hope to provide guidance on starting what can be a difficult, but essential, conversation with loved ones, making it easier to discuss future planning openly and thoughtfully. The site also supports the trusted family members and friends  who have been asked to act as attorneys. We offer clear advice about their role, responsibilities, and what to expect, so they can carry out their duties with confidence  and understanding.”

The DSS recently issued updated guidance to legal professionals and has worked extensively with healthcare professionals and financial providers, met the public and legal professionals at in-person advance planning events  across the country, and provided a suite of resources for public representatives to help them assist constituents with EPA-related queries.

The DSS continues to collaborate closely with stakeholders such as the Irish Hospice Foundation, Safeguarding Ireland, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, the HSE, the Law Society of Ireland, Age Friendly Ireland, Family Carers Ireland and the Citizens Information Service across the country to ensure the right information and guidelines reaches their staff, members and clients.

The new website can be accessed at www.myepa.ie, while people can continue to contact the DSS EPA Helpdesk for assistance at Freephone 01 211 9750, or by emailing epahelpdesk@decisionsupportservice.ie.