LAST UPDATE | 11 hrs ago

THE GOVERNMENT IS set to reduce the remission period for cancer survivors seeking mortgage protection from seven years to five years.

The Irish Cancer Society described the move as a “significant step forward” which will “ensure cancer survivors can equally access mortgage protection insurance after a five-year period of remission”.

It launched the ‘Right to be Forgotten after Cancer’ campaign five years ago, which called on the Government to “end the financial discrimination experienced by cancer survivors when it came to accessing basic financial services”.

A ‘right to be forgotten’ in insurance policies has been called for by cancer survivors, their families and campaigners, who argue it is unfair for insurance companies to take cancer diagnoses into account years after a person has entered remission.

The reduction from seven years to five is in line with international medical standards and means cancer survivors will no longer need to tell banks or mortgage lenders about the disease after five years in remission.

The Government announced the change to coincide with Daffodil Day, the flagship annual fundraising day for the Irish Cancer Society.

The amended Right to be Forgotten after Cancer legislation is due to be brought to cabinet next month and then progressed through the Oireachtas.  

Nikki Gallagher, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, remarked that “more and more people are now surviving cancer, so ensuring survivors can access financial products and services is crucial”.

Gallagher thanked Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, Minister of State, Robert Troy, as well as TD Catherine Ardagh, who proposed the legislation.

Lydia Whelan, a breast cancer survivor from Co Kildare, said that “as somebody who got the devastating news of my cancer diagnosis shortly after I went sale agreed on a home with my partner, the news today that Government will be dropping the disclosure period from seven to five years is hugely welcome”.

“Everything came to a standstill for me once my diagnosis was confirmed,” said Whelan.

“With the support of friends and family, we were able to complete the purchase but my name is not on the property.”

“The thoughts of being medically clear of my cancer within five years of my treatment ending, but then having to wait seven years to get my own name on my house, it would be prolonging the trauma of my diagnosis and needlessly preventing me from getting on with my life,” she added.

“I’m truly delighted to have been part of this Irish Cancer Society campaign to help make such a difference for patients and survivors coming after me.”

Speaking today, Tánaiste Simon Harris TD said the legislation is “designed to make a meaningful difference to the lives of cancer survivors and their families”.

“A cancer diagnosis should never define somebody’s financial future or inhibit them from owning their own home. For too long, this sadly has been the case.”

Harris added: “I’m conscious that these measures have been talked about for many years; Thanks to the work of the Irish Cancer Society and many others, Government is now in a position to put them into action.”

Increase to mortgage protection insurance cover 

As well as a reduction in the remission period for cancer survivors seeking mortgage protection, the threshold for mortgage protection insurance cover will be increased from €500,000 to €650,000.

Harris said this figure of €650,000 “will be the subject of future reviews”.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Minister of State for Financial Services, Credit Unions, and Insurance, Robert Troy said the increase in the threshold is in recognition that house prices have increased.

He added that the legislation should be in place “in a matter of months”.

He noted that the legislation “has support across the house” and that he “looks forward to its quick passage for the remaining stages”.

He also noted the “work of Ardagh who has championed this for many years”.

“It’s so heartening to hear that we’re able to make a difference to people like Lydia, who just wants that ability to move on with their lives,” said Troy.

“Buying your own home is such an important stage in your life and to be able to support people who will survive cancer to do that is a really positive development.”

When asked why it has taken so long to progress this, Troy remarked: “We had to get the right balance.

“We didn’t want a situation where if we went too low, that would have an impact on other policies and drive up the costs of other policies.

“We feel this balance is right at five years, we’ve struck the right balance that will ensure fairness for the cancer survivor, while at the same time not driving up the cost of life insurance for other policyholders.”