A BAN on publication of the details, of wills was called for by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael deputies.

During resumed debate on the Power of Attorney Bill Mr Jim O'Keeffe (FG, Cork South West) said the media had a ghoulish interest in publishing these details, which intruded into privacy. The law should prohibit it.

Mr Willie O'Den, Fianna Fail spokesman on law reform, agreed and said the matter could be remedied by an amendment to the "Bill at committee stage.

There was a general welcome for the Bill which will allow people to grant power of attorney which would apply only if they became disabled through accidents or diseases affecting brain functions such as Alzheimers.

Mr Brendan Kenneally (FF, Waterford) said it was disappointing that the issue would have to go through the High Court which would deter people of modest means. A better system would be to operate the service through county registrars' offices.

Mr Eric Byrne (DL, Dublin South Central) said that by enabling people to make provision for the management of their affairs in the event of future mental incapacity families would be spared the lengthy, expensive and traumatic procedure of making the victim a ward of court.

Ms Frances Fitzgerald (FG, Dublin South East) said the Government should establish a working party on law reform affecting elderly people to save them from abuse. Ireland had been more concerned with its young population and unemployment than with the older age groups. With a general rise in the population over 65 and a substantial rise in those over 85 their concerns would have to get a higher priority.

The Minister for Equality and Law Reform, Mr Taylor, said initially the Bill would be seen as a benefit to older people but he hoped that eventually drawing up an enduring power of attorney would be seen in the same light as making a will. He agreed to consider the issues raised by deputies at the committee stage.