Insurance (Disregard of Certain Medical History and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025: Second Stage Seanad Éireann — 2026-06-24 ============================================================ Linda Nelson Murray (FG), Industrial and Commercial Panel I thank the Minister of State for being here to go through this Bill. I am very sorry about his siblings. I did not know that and I thank the Minister of State for sharing that with us. I want to address the critical importance of the Insurance (Disregard of Certain Medical History and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, which was formerly known as the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025. The 2025 programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, committed to legislate for a right to be forgotten for cancer survivors. Originally introduced as a Private Members' Bill by the now Minister of State, Deputy Ardagh, the Bill sought to legislate for a right to be forgotten for cancer survivors and the prevention of financial providers from discriminating against individuals who had completed treatment more than five years previously. This legislation specifically focuses on the right to disregard cancer-related medical histories in the context of mortgage protection insurance and its enactment is vital for several reasons. First and foremost, this Bill promotes equity for individuals who have faced the challenges of cancer. Historically, those with a cancer diagnosis have faced significant barriers in obtaining mortgage protection insurance. This often results in exorbitant premiums or denial of coverage altogether. By allowing the disregard of certain cancer-related medical histories, we are ensuring that these individuals can secure the necessary financial protection for their homes and families, irrespective of their past health struggles. Second, this legislation enhances financial stability for families. Home ownership is a cornerstone of financial security and when individuals are unable to obtain mortgage protection insurance due to their medical history, it puts their homes and families at risk. On Monday, I spoke to a lady named Emer from my constituency. She is now five years with the all-clear on her cancer diagnosis. Imagine hearing those words, "All clear." Achieving the five-year cancer-free milestone is one of the most profound and emotional moments a patient or their family can ever experience. Emer rang to say that she really needed this Bill to be enacted quickly. She is ready to buy a house with her partner for her and her family. However, when she got quotes, she was facing €600 per month for mortgage protection. That is ten times the amount she will have to pay when this Bill gets enacted. For many oncologists, this timeframe is a crucial marker because a cancer that does not return within five years is significantly less likely to ever recur. The Bill empowers those affected by cancer to move forward with confidence, knowing that they can protect their investments and provide for their loved ones. Additionally, enacting this Bill can have a broader implication for our healthcare system. By facilitating access to mortgage protection insurance, we enable cancer survivors to focus on their recovery without the added stress of financial uncertainty. This proactive approach not only supports individual well-being but also contributes to healthier communities overall. The Bill will ensure increased accessibility. With the elimination of barriers, cancer survivors will find it easier to obtain mortgage protection insurance. It will provide financial security, as it will give protection to families. With the disregard of specific medical histories, survivors may get lower premiums compared to traditional policies that factor in their medical background. This will make mortgage protection insurance more affordable. The psychological relief has to be one of the biggest things, which results in reduced stress. Knowing that they can secure the necessary mortgage protection insurance provides peace of mind for cancer survivors. They can focus on recovery and rebuilding their lives without the constant worry of financial instability related to their housing. The Bill empowers cancer survivors by affirming their right to essential financial products without stigma. It fosters a sense of agency for people in their post-cancer lives. Regarding public health outcomes, with the encouragement of home stability and with better access to mortgage protection insurance, cancer survivors may be more likely to maintain stable housing, which is a crucial factor for recovery and overall well-being. The Insurance (Disregard of Certain Medical History and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025 is poised to greatly enhance the ability of cancer survivors to obtain mortgage protection insurance, leading to improved financial security, reduced stress and healthier communities overall. This represents a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive and equitable insurance landscape. By enacting this Bill, we affirm our commitment to inclusivity and support for those who have bravely faced this disease. Let us take this important step together for a fairer and more compassionate society. I want to say this to everyone, including my two brothers, Alan and Paul, who have bravely fought cancer, to my beautiful friend, Amanda, who battled through her journey, and to Aideen, who would not let her cancer define her: we do not know how strong we are until being strong is the only choice we have. --- Source: Houses of the Oireachtas. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). The Official Report is revised after first publication; the fetch timestamp below identifies the version quoted. Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-06-24/debate/main Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:06+00:00 Sitting date: 2026-06-24