Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
235. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the progression of the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025 to ensure fair access to insurance services for cancer survivors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69537/25]
View answerI am firmly committed to advancing this important piece of legislation which is a key commitment in the Programme for Government, and an important measure to ensure fair access to mortgage protection insurance for survivors of cancer. The decision by Government to legislate follows engagement with key stakeholders and reflects the Government’s determination to put these protections on a statutory footing and to provide legal certainty and ensure uniformity across all market participants.
My officials are currently working with the Office of the Parliamentary Council on the draft amendments to ensure the proper functioning of the disregard system once it is placed on a legislative footing. The drafting process is being undertaken with careful consideration of the implications for prudential regulation, the classification of insurance risks, establishing a process that is legally functional, and proper interaction with other financial legislation. This care is being taken to ensure that the objectives of the Bill are achieved without any unintended impacts, and that the ability to obtain mortgage protection insurance moves smoothly from a voluntary code to a legislative framework.
It is my expectation that the Bill will move to Committee Stage early in the new year, where the revised and finalised text may be considered and debated in full. Advancing the Bill represents an important step in ensuring fairer and more compassionate access to mortgage protection insurance for cancer survivors. I look forward to the engagement with colleagues across the Oireachtas on this important piece of legislation so as to ensure its timely passage into law during the early part of 2026.
