Catherine Ardagh (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
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83. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will facilitate the right of cancer survivors to be forgotten when it comes to accessing financial products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16058/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government remains fully committed to implementing this important piece of insurance legislation. The Government’s approach will be guided by the need for a balanced and evidence-based framework that delivers meaningful protections for consumers while ensuring the stability of the insurance market.

The Insurance Ireland Code of Practice for Underwriting Mortgage Protection Insurance for Cancer Survivors, in effect since December 2023, already provides the right to be forgotten (RTBF) protections. It requires insurers to disregard a cancer diagnosis seven years after treatment (or five years for those diagnosed under 18) for mortgage protection insurance policies up to €500,000. Insurance Ireland is currently reviewing the implementation of its Code of Practice , with an external reviewer appointed to assess compliance. This review is expected to be completed in Q2 2025. The Deputy may also be aware, that under existing legislation, the Consumer Credit Act 1995, lenders are permitted to provide a mortgage in situations where a borrower may be unable to obtain life insurance, or where such insurance is unduly costly compared to that payable by borrowers generally.

Additionally, the Department of Finance is currently assessing the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025, introduced in the Dáil on 18 February by you and Deputy Erin McGreehan, and considering developments at both national and EU levels, including the forthcoming implementation of the Consumer Credit Directive (by 2026) and the European Commission’s Beating Cancer Plan, which aims to establish an EU-wide RTBF Code of Conduct.

Furthermore, the Minister of State and officials from my Department are engaging extensively on this issue with key stakeholders. Minister of State Troy recently met Insurance Ireland and several major insurers, where this issue was a key discussion point. I also note that Minister of State Troy recently met with you and the Irish Cancer Society on the matter and that the discussion was constructive and raised a number of important issues for consideration. My officials are also engaging with the Central Bank of Ireland, the Society of Actuaries, Insurance Ireland, industry stakeholders and other Member States who have implemented a Right To Be Forgotten for cancer survivors to ensure a robust and comprehensive approach.

The Department of Finance will continue to closely monitor developments and work with key stakeholders at both national and EU levels to progress this key piece of legislation.