THERE was some good news for cancer survivors this week.
The Government said it will progress plans to give them the “right to be forgotten” and end barriers to accessing financial products.
The Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025 will ensure cancer survivors can’t be discriminated against when it comes to obtaining certain insurance products, specifically mortgage protection, due to their medical history.
For too long, cancer survivors in Ireland have faced an uphill battle not just in beating the cruel disease but then in rebuilding their lives, particularly when it comes to accessing basic financial products.
Despite being in remission for years, many are penalised for their past diagnosis. The legislation was proposed by Fianna Fail’s Catherine Ardagh.
Writing in The Irish Sun on Sunday today, Robert Troy, Minister of State with special responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, says a fairer deal for cancer survivors starts now.
THIS week marked a significant step forward in our commitment to fairness, transparency and compassion in the insurance market.
The Government will bring forward legislation before the summer recess to enshrine in law the ‘right to be forgotten’ for cancer survivors — a reform that will make a real difference in people’s lives.
At the heart of this legislation is a simple principle: if you’ve beaten cancer, your past diagnosis should not define your financial future.
Survivors deserve to move on with their lives — to buy a home, protect their family and access insurance products without being penalised.
Many cancer survivors in Ireland have found themselves excluded or charged unfairly when applying for basic financial protections like mortgage cover.
That’s not right. It’s not reflective of the person they are today, nor is it reflective of the values we aspire to as a country. That’s why this Government is acting.
This is a Bill with broad cross-party support. I must commend my Fianna Fail colleague Catherine Ardagh for her work in drafting it.
Her effort over the years has allowed me to introduce it as a Government Bill, speeding up the process and advancing it before the summer recess.
CERTAINTY NEEDED
Her tireless advocacy has helped bring this issue to the fore and push it up the political agenda.
The new legislation will start with mortgage protection — following international best practice — and we hope to review the scope of the legislation in future in a careful, informed way, with a view to delivering the most impact for the greatest number of people.
I want to acknowledge the positive steps already taken within the industry.
In 2023, a Voluntary Code of Practice was introduced by Insurance Ireland and supported by the Irish Cancer Society.
It was a welcome move that showed what is possible when an industry works with advocates and Government to do the right thing.
However, voluntary codes alone aren’t enough. Survivors deserve certainty. That’s what this legislation will provide.
ADVANCEMENT SHOULD NOT BE PUNISHED
Enshrining this into law means insurance companies are compelled to treat cancer survivors with fairness.
While eight companies signed up to the Voluntary Code, its very nature meant they could withdraw or that new entrants to the market could disregard it. That will not be the case with this law.
This is about removing unnecessary barriers to home ownership and financial stability for people who’ve already faced enough.
It’s about making sure our insurance system treats people with dignity, respect and fairness.
And it’s about restoring confidence that the market is transparent and working in the best interests of all citizens.
Cancer is a monumental hill to climb for individuals, their partners and families.
We are fortunate that with advances in medicine survival is more likely than before.
That advancement should not be punished.
Survivors who have been without treatment for seven years, or five if diagnosed under the age of 18, will now have clarity and comfort.
This legislation is also a direct delivery on our Programme for Government commitment.
It was included for a reason: because it’s the right thing to do.
REFORM FOR FAIRNESS
The Government has been clear in its ambition to drive a more inclusive and fair insurance landscape. This announcement is a major milestone on that journey.
It was a piece of legislation which I wanted to make real progress on when I took up my role in January and it is my intention that this Bill will be enacted before the end of the year.
It is also important to recognise the ongoing work of the Irish Cancer Society whose campaigning and research has been instrumental, and Insurance Ireland, who have constructively engaged throughout and managed the Voluntary Code of Practice.
Legislative drafting is underway and we are working closely with colleagues across Government to ensure that amendments are comprehensive, fair, and effective.
We’re also talking with key stakeholders to ensure the law strikes the right balance between consumer protection and market integrity.
We want to send a clear message to cancer survivors: We see you, we support you, and we are changing the law to make your path forward easier.
This reform is not about punishing insurers, it’s about building a market that is based on fairness, transparency, and compassion.
That’s what modern Ireland should be about.
And that is what this Government is delivering.
