Sir, – Although I have been computer literate for many years, I share the frustration expressed by recent Irish Times letter writers regarding the process of registering an enduring power of attorney (EPA) with the Decision Support Service (DSS). The situation is made even more frustrating by the fact that the registration process is available only online.
For many people – particularly older adults or those with limited digital skills – this creates an unnecessary barrier to accessing an important legal safeguard. A process designed to protect people’s rights should itself be accessible, with a genuine alternative for those who are unable or unwilling to use an online-only system.
Recent DSS radio advertisements suggest that the registration process is quick and straightforward. Unfortunately, my experience was very different. I found the system to be unnecessarily complex, inflexible, and far from user-friendly. Rather than making the process easier, it seemed more likely to leave applicants frustrated and discouraged, with some potentially becoming so overwhelmed that they abandon the application altogether.
The experience leaves me with the impression that the system has been designed to discourage applications rather than facilitate them. It also conveys a fundamental mistrust of those seeking to make sensible arrangements for their future.
RM Block
It need not be this way. My experience in the UK, where I arranged EPAs for both a parent and an aunt, was entirely different. The process was handled efficiently, quickly and simply by a solicitor, providing a level of service that the DSS would do well to emulate. – Yours, etc,
ERIC FIRTH
Ballymore Eustace,
Co Kildare.
Sir, – Over recent days I have noted letters from concerned readers describing their unfavourable experiences with the Irish system of enduring power of attorney.
It is in total contrast to the simplicity of the England/Wales procedure, which is designed to be easy to use and not as costly, bureaucratic and inimical to the people it should be serving.
There is no need to involve expensive lawyers and doctors, or endure nightmare wait times for their completion.
All that is required is to fill in the form (online and/or paper) with the names of the donor, attorneys, and someone who knows the donor well and verifies their competence to make the lasting power of attorney.
At £94 each for a health or finance application, it is also inexpensive.
Our recent experience of setting up lasting power of attorney was that it was easy and not the convoluted process designed to trip up applicants it appears to be in Ireland. – Yours, etc,
JOHN DWYER
Ascot,
England.
