Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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42. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will bring forward legislation for a “right to be forgotten” for cancer survivors, in order that they do not have to disclose their cancer diagnosis after five years, with independent oversight and penalties for companies who breach this right; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9947/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025 was introduced in the Dáil on 18 February by Deputies Catherine Ardagh and Erin McGreehan. The Department of Finance is currently assessing the Bill, considering EU-level developments such as the Consumer Credit Directive (to be implemented by 2026) and the European Commission’s Beating Cancer Plan, which aims to establish an EU-wide RTBF Code of Conduct as well as national developments.

Currently, the Insurance Ireland Code of Practice for Underwriting Mortgage Protection Insurance for Cancer Survivors, in effect since December 2023, provides RTBF protections by requiring insurers to disregard a cancer diagnosis 7 years after treatment (or 5 years for those diagnosed under 18) for mortgage protection insurance up to €500,000.

Additionally, Insurance Ireland are in the process of undertaking a review of the implementation of its Code of Practice and expect it to be completed in the coming months. An external reviewer has been appointed by Insurance Ireland to ensure that the provisions of the Code of Practice have been implemented and are being adhered to.

I would also remind the Deputy that the Programme For Government-Securing Ireland’s Future Government included a commitment to legislating for a 'Right to be Forgotten' (RTBF) for cancer survivors in line with EU requirements. It is important that a measured and evidence-based approach is taken with such legislation to ensure that RTBF protections are introduced in a way that maximises benefits for consumers while maintaining stability in the insurance market.

Since this Government has come into power, there has already been engagement at Ministerial level with stakeholders in this area. Minister of State Troy is scheduled to meet the Irish Cancer Society this month in anticipation of the Code of Practice review and to discuss ongoing developments. Furthermore, Minister of State Troy met with Insurance Ireland and some of the major insurers last month and this issue was one of the specific items discussed. In this context, my officials are monitoring developments and work closely with key stakeholders at national and EU levels to progress this important piece of legislation.