Right to be forgotten firmly prioritised on Government’s legislative agenda, says Ardagh

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South-Central, Deputy Catherine Ardagh, says she welcomes the Government’s decision to introduce her Right to Be Forgotten legislation as a Government Bill in the Dáil yesterday, stating, “This Bill will bring fairness and equality to cancer survivors and I’m proud to see it firmly placed on the Government’s legislative agenda.”

The Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025, first introduced by Fianna Fáil TD Catherine Ardagh, has now been formally prioritised for progression as a Government Bill ahead of the summer recess. The legislation will ensure that individuals who have been cancer-free for a defined period will no longer be required to disclose a past cancer diagnosis when applying for mortgage protection.

Speaking yesterday, Deputy Ardagh said:

“Mortgage protection is one of the areas where cancer survivors are most severely impacted.

“As a solicitor, I’ve seen first-hand the heartbreak when a house purchase collapses because a survivor couldn’t secure mortgage protection.

“That’s an unacceptable reality for people who’ve already been through so much.”

“This legislation will change that. It allows cancer survivors to move forward, secure their homes, and live with dignity, and free from unjust financial barriers.”

“Now that the Bill is on the Government’s legislative agenda as a priority, my focus is on expanding its reach.

“Mortgage protection is just the beginning. My aim is to end financial discrimination for cancer survivors across the board, so that there is a wider array of financial products included.”

“While this Bill marks a critical first step, we know many survivors still face barriers when accessing other forms of cover.

“I am committed to working with Government and Oireachtas colleagues to broaden these protections across the financial sector.”

Concluding, Deputy Ardagh said: “This is about fairness, dignity, and allowing cancer survivors to truly move on with their lives.

“I’m proud to see this legislation progress, and I remain determined to ensure no one is penalised for their medical past.”