Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
189. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance for an update on the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025; when he expects it to be passed into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9537/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
The Bill builds on the Voluntary Code of Practice, introduced by Insurance Ireland in December 2023, which disregards a cancer diagnosis for the purpose of mortgage protection insurance applications once treatment ended for specific times.
My officials are currently working with the Office of the Parliamentary Council on the draft amendments and are giving careful consideration to the implications for prudential regulation, the classification of insurance risks, establishing a process that is legally functional, and the proper interaction with other financial legislation. This will 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.
Pending the finalisation of the draft amendments and their subsequent approval by Government, it is my expectation that the Bill will be ready to move to Committee Stage within a number of weeks, where the revised and finalised text may be considered and debated in full. Advancing this Bill represents an important step in ensuring fairer and more compassionate access to financial services for cancer survivors.
