IFA Encourages Farmers to Make an Enduring Power of Attorney

IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs Chair, Alice Doyle encourages all farmers to make an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) in support of Safeguarding Ireland’s public awareness campaign.

“The best step to safeguard your important future decisions is to plan ahead, by putting in place an Enduring Power of Attorney you can have peace of mind for you and clarity for your family,” Alice Doyle said.

Safeguarding Ireland is this week (12th–17th September) leading a public awareness campaign to encourage all adults to make an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA). IFA is one of the organisations represented on the National Safeguarding Advisory Committee.

“Planning ahead against future misuse of your money, property or welfare is so important to safeguard your future. An EPA is recommended for all adults and it is never too early to put one in place,” she said.

Research commissioned by Safeguarding Ireland and carried out by RED C on a representative sample of 1,000 Irish adults found that just 6% have an EPA, compared to level of 30-40% on other European countries.

“Putting in place an EPA can be challenging and requires thought and discussion with those you trust, but it is a very important legal document to safeguard your financial, property and personal welfare decisions if in the future you no longer have decision making capacity,” the IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs Chair added.

As part of the public awareness campaign Safeguarding Ireland have produced an information booklet, Plan Ahead Safeguard your Finances, Property and Welfare, that provides a step-by-step guide for people wishing to make an EPA.