Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2026
73. Deputy Emer Currie 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. [38153/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, I am firmly committed to advancing this important piece of legislation which is a Programme for Government commitment 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 existing voluntary protections on a statutory footing and to provide legal certainty, thus ensuring uniformity across all market participants.
My Department worked closely with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel to progress the draft legislation and Government approved Committee Stage amendments at the end of April. The amendments will provide that the required remission period for cancer survivors seeking mortgage protection insurance will be reduced from seven years to five years, and that the sum-assured threshold will increase from €500,000 to €650,000. A further provision will allow for the sum-assured threshold to be reviewed in line with the Residential Property Price Index, following consultation with industry representatives, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders.
As the amendments have been approved by Government, the legislation is now able to move to Committee Stage, and my officials are working to schedule this with the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach in the coming weeks. It is my intention, with the good will of all concerned, that the Bill will be advanced through the Oireachtas before the summer recess. This Bill represents an important step in ensuring fairer and more compassionate access to mortgage protection insurance for cancer survivors and I look forward to engaging with colleagues across the Oireachtas to ensure its timely passage into law.
