Right to Be Forgotten for cancer survivors in effect from today
Minister of State Robert Troy, TD, has today welcomed the introduction of new statutory ‘Right to Be Forgotten’ protections, ensuring that eligible cancer survivors applying for mortgage protection insurance cannot be penalised because of their medical history.
From today, 15 October 2026, insurers will be required to disregard an applicant’s cancer-related medical history when considering an application for mortgage protection insurance, where the statutory criteria are met.
The new protections apply where:
• the applicant completed active cancer treatment at least five years ago;
• the applicant has been in complete remission for at least five years;
• the application relates to mortgage protection insurance for the applicant’s principal private residence; and
• the amount of cover sought is up to €650,000, with normal underwriting applying above that threshold.
Minister Troy said: “People who have had to fight for their lives should not be punished financially for something that is entirely outside their control. These changes to the law will bring greater fairness to cancer survivors and their families across the country.
“Today marks the culmination of a long and determined campaign led by cancer survivors, their families and advocacy groups. I want to particularly acknowledge the Irish Cancer Society and Minister Catherine Ardagh, whose work and advocacy have been instrumental in bringing this legislation forward.
“Having experienced the loss of two siblings to cancer, this is something I know will make a real difference to cancer survivors and their families. That is why I was proud to get this legislation over the line.
“Cancer Survivors deserve the right to move on with their lives and not be unduly penalised because of their medical history.
“This legislation brings a genuine opportunity for a new beginning, where hope, not history, shapes the future of cancer survivors accessing financial services in Ireland.”
Irish Cancer Society CEO Nikki Gallagher said: “The commencement of this legislation is a welcome and momentous culmination of a long campaign to ensure cancer survivors can access financial services after their cancer treatment.
“Today, there are more than 230,000 cancer survivors in Ireland, and, with advances in cancer detection and treatment, the number will continue to grow. It is crucial that we put the building blocks in place to support survivors to live full lives and put their cancer behind them. Years after their cancer treatment had ended, survivors faced outright rejection or hiked premiums for mortgage protection cover. This legislation has now righted that wrong.
“I want to pay tribute to the cancer survivors who have told their stories as part of this campaign. A huge thank you to members of the Oireachtas, from all parties and none, who have supported and championed this legislation.
“Finally, we are extremely grateful to the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris, and Ministers of State Robert Troy and Catherine Ardagh for getting this legislation over the line. It will make an incredible difference to cancer survivors.”