Troy showcases ‘Right to Be Forgotten’ for cancer survivors at Brussels conference

• Ireland’s statutory ‘Right to Be Forgotten’ protections for survivors of cancer seeking mortgage protection insurance came into effect on 15 October 2026.

• Eligible cancer survivors can now have their cancer-related medical history disregarded on a statutory basis when applying for mortgage protection insurance in Ireland.

• Ireland is the 11th EU Member State to place a Right to Be Forgotten on a statutory footing.

Minister of State with responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, Robert Troy, TD, attended a high-level conference on the Right to Be Forgotten for cancer survivors in Brussels, where he delivered a keynote address, on Tuesday.

The Ending Financial Discrimination Against Cancer Survivors: The Right to Be Forgotten for Cancer Survivors as a Human Right, brought together policymakers, legal experts, healthcare professionals, patient representatives, and industry leaders to consider how effective and enforceable protections can help address the financial discrimination experienced by cancer survivors.

During his address, Minister Troy emphasised the importance of supporting cancer survivors to rebuild their lives and plan for the future with greater confidence and certainty.

He outlined Ireland’s journey from the introduction of a Voluntary Code of Practice in 2023 to the establishment of clear and enforceable statutory protections under the Insurance (Disregard of Certain Medical History and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026.

Minister Troy said: “It is fundamentally unfair for someone who has survived cancer to be financially penalised for something completely outside of their control. Last Thursday, that began to change in Ireland with the commencement of the Right to Be Forgotten legislation.

“But for too many cancer survivors across Europe, the effects of a cancer diagnosis continue to limit opportunities long after treatment has ended.

“Ireland is only the 11th EU member state to place the Right to Be Forgotten on a statutory footing. I believe that must change. Events like this are essential in bringing together policymakers, legislators and academics to examine existing protections, identify best practice and explore how we can advance similar legislation at a European level.

“Having experienced the loss of two siblings to cancer, I know how deeply this disease affects individuals and families. The protections we have introduced in Ireland represent an important step forward, but our ambition should be to ensure that cancer survivors across Europe can benefit from the same opportunities to move forward with their lives.”

“I hope Ireland’s legislation will not only make a meaningful difference to cancer survivors here at home but also serve as an example for other Member States as we work towards stronger and more consistent protections across Europe.”