Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed Government approval of amendments that will introduce a statutory “Right to Be Forgotten” for cancer survivors.
The changes mean that people who have completed cancer treatment and are in remission for five years will no longer be required to disclose their diagnosis when applying for mortgage protection insurance on their family home.
Minister Canney said this is a significant and very human step forward. “Beating cancer should mark the start of a new chapter in someone’s life – it shouldn’t follow them when they’re trying to buy a home or plan for the future,” he said.
“These changes will make a real difference. Reducing the remission period to five years and putting these protections into law gives people certainty and fairness when they need it most.”
The Government amendments will:
- reduce the remission period from seven years to five years, regardless of age at diagnosis;
- apply a statutory disregard of certain cancer-related medical history to mortgage protection insurance cover of up to €650,000;
- allow normal underwriting above that threshold, ensuring the measure remains balanced and workable;
- provide for a review of the €650,000 threshold every five years, in line with property prices and market conditions.
The amendments will also include technical changes to existing insurance legislation and will see the Bill retitled as the Insurance (Disregard of Certain Medical History and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026.
Minister Canney added: “Moving from a voluntary code to a legal framework matters. It means these protections are there for everyone, not just in principle, but in practice. It’s about treating people fairly and recognising that life moves on after illness.”
The legislation is expected to progress through the Oireachtas in the coming months.
