Westmeath Minister welcomes passing of “Right to be Forgotten” legislation

Cancer survivors will no longer have to disclose certain aspects of their medical history when applying for mortgage protection insurance under landmark new legislation passed by the Oireachtas this week.

Longford-Westmeath TD and Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Robert Troy, welcomed the passage of the Insurance (Disregard of Certain Medical History and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, commonly known as the "Right to Be Forgotten" legislation, describing it as a significant step towards removing barriers faced by cancer survivors.

The legislation places a statutory obligation on insurers to disregard cancer-related medical history when assessing applications for mortgage protection insurance, provided applicants meet specified criteria.

It replaces the existing voluntary code with a legally enforceable framework, delivering on a commitment in the Programme for Government.

Government amendments introduced during the Bill's passage reduced the required remission period from seven years to five years and increased the mortgage protection threshold from €500,000 to €650,000. Standard underwriting will continue to apply for cover above that amount.

Welcoming the legislation, Minister Troy said it would make a meaningful difference to people rebuilding their lives after cancer.

"Public service, at its best, is about addressing real problems in people's lives and removing barriers where we can," he said.

"For cancer survivors and their families, today's passage of the legislation is an important moment which I hope marks the start of new journeys.

"This Bill cannot undo what people have been through, nor can it lessen the personal journey or the loss that some families have experienced. What it will do is remove an unjust barrier. It will make life fairer and give people a genuine chance to move forward with confidence, hope and dignity."

Minister Troy also spoke of his own family's experience of cancer.

"I personally know the impact cancer has on families, having lost two siblings to cancer," he said. "I wish to express my gratitude to every survivor who wrote, called or mentioned to me in passing the impact that this legislation would have on their lives. It is important to now ensure it is enacted without delay."

The legislation was originally introduced as a Private Members' Bill by Minister Catherine Ardagh and has since been progressed by the Government.

The Irish Cancer Society, which has campaigned for a statutory "Right to Be Forgotten" since 2021, also welcomed the legislation.

Chief Executive Nikki Gallagher said cancer survivors had faced "financial discrimination" for years when seeking mortgage protection insurance, preventing many from accessing mortgages despite having completed successful treatment.

She paid tribute to patients and survivors who shared their experiences throughout the campaign and thanked members of the Oireachtas for supporting the legislation.

Under the legislation, applicants will qualify for the statutory protection where they have completed active cancer treatment and remained in complete remission for at least five years.

The measure applies to mortgage protection insurance for a person's principal private residence up to a value of €650,000, with normal underwriting arrangements continuing for higher-value policies.

The Department of Finance said it will now work with the insurance industry to implement the new statutory framework and ensure a smooth transition from the existing voluntary code.