Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming, for coming to discuss this all-important Bill today. I compliment Senator Ardagh, Senator Buttimer, and the rest of the committee who have brought this very important Bill forward.

I will follow up on a few points Senator Buttimer made. People who are cancer sufferers and survivors did not go out of their way to become ill. Realistically, financial institutions discriminate against many people. People who have cancer can make a full recovery and go on to lead very happy, healthy and long lives. Such people must be assisted to move forward. That is the reason this Bill must be supported. Work must be carried out by those bringing the Bill forward, in conjunction with the Department. There was a debate in Europe last year, which was referred to be as the right to be forgotten, and it was promoted by the European Cancer Patient Coalition. It was suggested that it would commence ten years after a person has recovered but ten years is too long. The five-year period outlined by Senator Ardagh is more realistic.

I also pay tribute to the members of the Irish Cancer Society. We have all been affected by a family member or close friend being ill.It is something that affects every family at some stage in their lives. Research from the Irish Cancer Society has shown that nearly one quarter of people affected by cancer are not able to get a quote for a financial product such as a mortgage or life insurance. I have spoken to people who had difficulty accessing life insurance. In other cases, if someone was ill when they were young and they went on to try to get a mortgage, it was extremely difficult. In some cases their partner may have been able to take out the mortgage in their own name, but it has not worked out for everybody. It is an area we need to look at closely because we cannot discriminate against people. When you are diagnosed with cancer, it is a life-changing experience for an individual and their family members. Many young people have been diagnosed in recent times. It is not fair of financial institutions to penalise somebody who has been diagnosed with it.

Senator Buttimer's suggestion of bringing the two or three committees together that have a key interest in strengthening it could be a way to work with the Department and the Minister; many heads coming together come up with worthy suggestions. Survivors have been punished for too long, which is something else we need to look at. The European Parliament hopes to publish its findings and suggestions by 2024. That is too far away; we need to act now. We need to support the young people, young family members and families who end up in this situation. I support the Bill and commend all involved on bringing this proposal together, especially Senator Ardagh.