Minister Robert Troy attends Cancer Patients Europe conference in Brussels

Brussels hosted the annual Cancer Patients Europe Conference on June 24-26, where the people who are key to shaping European cancer policy came together for three days of high level institutional dialogue, debate, and collective advocacy.

One of the people in attendance was Minister of State Robert Troy.

As the conference took a look into Europe’s Cancer care model Robert Troy spoke on Ireland’s approach to ensuring that cancer survivors have fair access to mortgage protection insurance.

The so-called ‘Right to be Forgotten’ legislation has passed all stages in the Dáil.

It is now due to pass all remaining stages prior to the summer recess.

“It has been a privilege to be able to guide this legislation through the Dáil and now into the Seanad.”

In his remarks, Minister Troy highlighted the development of the legislation.

The legislation started its life as a private members motion from Troy’s party colleague Minister of State Catherine Ardagh.

“It is a piece of law that has broad cross-party support, and I must again pay tribute to Minister Ardagh for her advocacy in this area of the years,” commented Troy.

Minister Troy took on the legislation as a Government Bill last year, and sought to enhance the provisions of the Voluntary Code of Practice which had been in place by the insurance industry since its launch in December 2023.

The key changes from the Voluntary Code of Practice to the current legislation is the decrease in time a person must be cancer free from 7 years to 5 years.

As well as an increase in the level of mortgage protection cover from €500,000 to €650,000.

“It was particularly rewarding to be able to address cancer survivors, policymakers, and medical practitioners in Brussels on how Ireland has developed this legislation.

“And is now one of the leading jurisdictions for fair access to mortgage protection.”

While in Brussels, Minister Troy also met with Dr Francoise Meunier, the Director-General of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer.

The two discussed Ireland’s approach to the legislation and how we can assist other countries in developing their own frameworks.

“It was also an excellent opportunity to meet with Dr Meunier and share ideas on how Europe can continue to do better for cancer survivors.

“I made it clear that Ireland would supply any assistance necessary to countries who have yet to put this on a legal footing.

“Cancer has at one point or another impacted all of us, and my own family is no different to that.

“As an elected representative it is vital that we use the tools at our disposal to introduce legislation that guarantees fairness.

“We have done that with the Right to be Forgotten.”