A new, dedicated Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) website, to help adults plan ahead and make their own EPA with confidence, clarity and support has been launched.
Developed by the Decision Support Service (DSS), the new website (www.myepa.ie) 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.
The DSS is an essential service for all adults who have difficulties with decision-making capacity. This may include people with an intellectual disability, mental illness or acquired brain injury, as well as neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia. It also facilitates advance planning as any adult may at some point become unable to make decisions for themselves.
Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins TD, has welcomed the launch, which was unveiled with broadcasters Eileen Dunne and Brendan Courtney.
ENDURING POWER OF ATTORNEY
An enduring power of attorney is a legal arrangement that lets an adult plan 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 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.
NECESSARY GUIDANCE
“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,” DSS Director Áine Flynn said. “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 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
