662. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to the Government announcement of 28 April 2026 approving the statutory “Right to be Forgotten” legislation for cancer survivors, the timeline for enactment and commencement of the legislation; whether he expects the legislation to be operational in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60411/26]

The Insurance (Disregard of Certain Medical History and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026, commonly known as the “Right to Be Forgotten” legislation, was signed into law by the President on 15 July 2026. The relevant Commencement Order was subsequently signed on 24 August 2026.

The Act places important consumer protections on a statutory footing for the first time, replacing the existing Voluntary Code with a statutory framework that provides greater certainty, consistency, and protection for cancer survivors seeking mortgage protection insurance.

The provisions of the Act relating to the disregard of cancer-related medical history will come into operation on 15 October 2026. On and from this date, 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 Act strengthens the protections available, by reducing both active cancer treatment and remission periods to five years, regardless of age at diagnosis, and increasing the amount of cover within scope from €500,000 to €650,000, with normal underwriting continuing to apply above that €650,000 threshold.

It is also important to note that up to the date that the disregard provisions come into effect, the terms of the existing Voluntary Code would still be valid. My Department will continue to engage with the insurance industry to support a smooth transition from the Voluntary Code to the statutory framework becoming operational in October.