Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South-Central, Catherine Ardagh, has welcomed Cabinet’s decision today to progress her ‘Right to be Forgotten’ legislation, which will ensure cancer survivors are no longer discriminated against when seeking mortgage protection insurance.
Deputy Ardagh said, “Today marks a significant step forward for cancer survivors in Ireland. This legislation will give people who have overcome cancer fair access to mortgage protection without being penalised for their medical past.”
“Mortgage protection is one of the areas where cancer survivors are most impacted. Having worked as a solicitor, I have seen house purchases fall through because a cancer survivor could not get mortgage protection. This is unnecessary heartbreak for people who have already been through so much.”
“This legislation now prevents that. It means cancer survivors can get on with their lives, achieve their dream of homeownership, and build a secure future without outdated discrimination standing in their way.”
Under the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025, originally introduced by Deputy Ardagh, individuals who have been cancer-free for a defined period will no longer have to disclose their diagnosis when applying for mortgage protection. This follows strong outcomes from the Voluntary Code of Practice introduced last year, with Cabinet now agreeing to legislate before the summer recess.
Deputy Ardagh continued, “While mortgage protection is a critical first step, cancer survivors continue to face barriers when accessing other essential financial products, such as life assurance. I am committed to working with Government and colleagues to build on this legislation so that, in time, protections can be expanded further across the financial sector.”
Concluding, she said, “This is ultimately about fairness, dignity, and giving cancer survivors the freedom to truly move on with their lives. I am proud to see this legislation progress and remain determined to ensure that no survivor faces financial discrimination because of their past.”