Robert Troy
Longford-Westmeath · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Only last weekend, I had the honour of representing the Taoiseach at the commemoration of those who had lost their lives at the Battle of the Somme. The presence of the deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland was a very positive development. I understand that it was the first time she was present in Dublin for that commemoration.”
“People deserve to know and understand not just the aspiration but the implication for their livelihoods, public services and future. Transparency is something I have tried to foster during my term as Minister of State in the Department of Finance. People expect it and are savvy enough to find it themselves.”
“I welcome the opportunity to contribute on this debate on the financial implications of Irish unity. It is fair to say that it is an important discussion and one that deserves to be approached with seriousness, honesty and respect.”
“If we are serious about unity - I believe we all are - we must be equally serious about preparation. That includes asking the difficult but necessary questions, including about the role of the UK in supporting any transition, whether financial contributions over a defined period would form part of any agreement and how the EU could be inv…”
“While many will view these as barriers so as to delay and misinform, we need to realise that our island has overcome its fair share of barriers in the past and we have the capacity to overcome any barriers in the future. What we should be looking at are the opportunities that a united Ireland presents.”
“It can be secured through reassurance, actions and compromise. Deputy Lahart indicated some of the compromises that may need to be considered. From a financial perspective, we need to look for clarity. Some fundamental questions need to be addressed. What would happen to public services? How would taxation be structured?”
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“I acknowledge that premiums had begun to increase in the past 12 months, but premiums in Ireland have fallen by around 34 points since 2016, even allowing for the recent increases. Today, the average private motor premium is €630, compared with £777 in Britain and £834 in Northern Ireland. I do not hear Deputy Doherty referring to this. This difference matters. It represented a shield for households and businesses in a period when costs elsewhere in Europe were rising due to inflation and supply chain shocks. Our focus is now on ensuring that the increases we have seen in the past 12 months are reversed. We also see improvement in the composition of claims costs. In 2019, personal injury costs made up 72% of total claim cost, while material damage accounted for only 28%.”
“Legal costs were excessive, personal injury awards lacked consistency and transparency was poor. Through previous reforms we have implemented fundamental change, including the rebalancing of the duty of care, reform of the Injuries Resolution Board, the introduction of the personal injuries guidelines, and enhancements to the National Claims Information Database, NCID. These were not small reforms. They represented a comprehensive restructuring of how the Irish insurance market operates and they are now yielding measurable results, not that Deputy Doherty will give any credit for what has been done. We can see this clearly in the behaviour of the motor insurance market.”
“Insurance is a framework that enables people to drive, open businesses, buy homes, employ staff and invest in the future with confidence. When cost becomes unpredictable or excessive, it places pressure on every family budget and on every business plan. It is, therefore, important to outline what the Government has achieved to date, the evidence base on which we are acting, and the roadmap we have set out in the new action plan for insurance reform to enhance transparency, affordability and availability of insurance. I will begin by highlighting the progress that has been achieved. When the Government introduced the Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2020, there was recognition that deep structural issues were driving Irish premiums above international comparators.”
“I apologise for being late but this debate came much earlier than any of us expected. I welcome the opportunity to speak to this House on the motion concerning insurance in the context of cost of living. This is an issue of immediate and real relevance to Irish households, to our small and medium enterprises and to the long-term competitiveness of our economy. I would also like to commend Deputy Doherty on his work to date. He has been a very strong advocate in this regard, but he has not been alone on this issue. I thank him for tabling the motion today to give us an opportunity to discuss this issue and give me an opportunity to outline the work that has been done by this and previous Governments because outrage alone will not solve this issue. Significant work was done by the previous Government and I will update Deputies on progress.”
“The chapter also provides for the roles and remits of the various regulatory authorities and organisations in relation to standards, planning, construction, licensing, and safety of the grid scale electricity storage system in Ireland. The Senator may not have had an opportunity to read that but I am happy to ask the office of the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, to forward that document to her. Specifically, chapter 4 may address some of the questions she has raised here today.”
“I thank the Senator for acknowledging the important of battery electricity storage systems. They are vital assets to the overall operation and reliability of our electricity network during Ireland's renewable energy transition. It is not correct to say that there are no guidelines in place. The electricity storage policy framework for Ireland was published in July 2024 in line with the climate action plan. Chapter 4 of that policy framework provides an overview of the existing safety and regulatory framework in place for grid-connected electricity storage systems, including lithium ion battery electricity storage systems that deliver electric energy to the grid.”
“Planning policy, including in relation to fire safety, and related guidelines are a matter for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.”
“In making a decision on a planning application in respect of an electricity storage system, a planning authority must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the county development plan, including any zoning or visual impact objectives, any submissions or observations received from the public and statutory consultees, any relevant ministerial or Government policies, including any planning guidelines issued by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and any environmental assessments undertaken. Compliance with requirements relating to the planning, construction and operation of electricity storage installations is overseen and enforced primarily by the EPA and the relevant local authority in its capacity as planning authority and fire authority.”
“S-BESS - battery electricity storage systems are subject to the same environmental controls as any other industrial or technical activity. The planning, construction and operation of these installations is subject to EU and Irish environmental rules. From a planning perspective, electricity storage systems are subject to the requirement to obtain planning permission under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and associated regulations. Applications for planning permission for electricity storage systems are made to the relevant local planning authority, or An Bord Pleanála on appeal.”
“The CRU is responsible for the licensing, charging and market incentives for electricity storage undertakings, the regulation of electricity storage in the electricity market and electricity storage grid connections. In Ireland, all battery classification and standardisation conform to EU legislation. All batteries used in Ireland are manufactured, sold and operated in line with relevant EU regulations and standards, including safety certification and the putting into service of batteries used in grid-scale electricity storage systems. The 2023 EU directive concerning batteries and waste batteries sets out the homogenisation of electricity storage batteries as well as safety testing and certification requirements relevant to grid-scale electricity storage systems. This includes lithium-ion battery electricity storage systems.”
“To support the incorporation of electricity storage systems on to the grid network, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment published the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland in July 2024, as required under the climate action plan. Chapter 4 of that policy framework provides an overview of the existing safety and regulatory framework in place for grid-scale electricity storage systems, including battery electricity storage systems in the European and Irish contexts. It is important to note that in Ireland, there is no single authority under which the entire safety and regulation of grid-scale electricity storage lies. Instead, a number of different organisations handle various aspects of electricity storage system safety and regulation.”
“Grid-scale electricity storage systems, including battery electricity storage systems, which the Senator rightly says is referred to as BESS, play a vital role in this transition by ensuring the proper functioning of the grid in providing system services, assisting in grid build-out, and providing targeted demand flexibility to the grid, reducing dispatch down and maximising the incorporation of renewable generated electricity through bulk electricity time shifting. As of July 2025, there are 22 separate electricity storage systems connected to the grid network providing just over 1 GW capacity. One pumped hydro-storage facility, Turlough Hill in County Wicklow, accounts for 292 MW of this capacity with the remaining 756 MW provided by 21 stationary battery energy storage systems located throughout the country.”
“I thank Senator O'Reilly very much. The Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, sends his apologies. He is at the UN this week so he cannot take this Commencement matter. Electricity storage systems are part of the renewable energy future. Together with wind, solar and grid infrastructure, they are a key element of Ireland's transition to a low-carbon electricity system by delivering ancillary services and facilitating a more efficient use of our existing grid.”
“There are always certain circumstances where they want to have the person physically present, but the Senator has articulated the point well about greater efficiencies. It would appear from the note I am reading that the Courts Service is on the same page as him, except in exceptional circumstances.”
“Where the District Court sitting at Harristown is dealing with remands from other districts, it should be noted that it has no jurisdiction to finalise the charges or hear the trial and the matter must be remanded back. That is obviously the reason some prisoners are remanded back to their original location. Physical attendance for remands is a matter for the Judiciary. As the Senator rightly says, it was introduced in 2020 as a measure to help with Covid. It should be used, but it is a matter for the Judiciary itself. The Courts Service has made inquiries in relation to remands in Letterkenny District Court and has confirmed that videolink is the default position for any remand unless the judge directs otherwise.”
“The Minister intends to request the Judicial Appointments Commission to initiate the selection processes for these judges later this year. Taken together, these two sets of appointments represent an increase of approximately 25% in the number of judges in Ireland. This year, the Courts Service was allocated a budget of over €199.8 million, with additional funding to allocate to provide for the recruitment of additional staff to support the expanding Judiciary and bolster modernising measures.”
“The Minister is prioritising efforts to ensure that the courts are adequately resourced to administer justice efficiently and effectively just as the Senator articulated in his contribution. This past year marks the full calendar year of supporting a significantly enlarged Judiciary and court operations in the wake of the 2023 publication of the Report of the Judicial Planning Working Group and the appointment of 24 additional judges. Following an impact assessment of the first phase of judicial appointments following the publication of the Report of the Judicial Planning Working Group, Government approval was secured on 22 October 2024 to increase judicial numbers by a further 20 judges to meet the growing demands on the justice system and to further reduce long waiting times across the courts.”
“Where the District Court sitting at Harristown is dealing with remands from other districts, pursuant to section 5 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997, it should be noted that it has no jurisdiction to finalise the charges or hear the trial, and the matter must be remanded back to the originating court for trial or sentence. Physical attendance for remands, rather than appearance by videolink, is a matter for the Judiciary and is subject to section 23 of the Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020. The Courts Service has made inquiries in relation to remands in Letterkenny District Court and has confirmed that videolink is the default position for any remand unless the judge directs otherwise.”
“I thank the Senator for raising this matter. The Minister sends his apologies. Unfortunately, he is in Brussels at a European Affairs Ministers' meeting so he cannot be here. He asked me to take this matter on his behalf. In relation to court sittings at Harristown courtroom, which is what it is known as at Castlerea Prison, the Courts Service has advised that there has been no change to the scheduled sittings taking place in that location. The court is scheduled to sit on the fourth Friday of each month, which it continues to do. During 2024, the court sat on 46 occasions and to date in 2025, the court has sat on 34 occasions.”
“The savings and investments union, on which the Government is hugely engaged, will be a channel to do that. We are also in the process of updating the Ireland for Finance strategy, in respect of which there is a commitment in the programme for Government. A public consultation process in that regard will open in the coming weeks, and I encourage submission to it. We hope to publish the strategy early in the new year.”
“The Listings Act also introduces measures to encourage and enhance the production and distribution of investment research on mid-sized companies and SMEs. This is essential if we are to encourage investment in such companies. The simplification and harmonisation of prospectus rules will make it easier and less expensive for growing indigenous businesses to list on the Irish Stock Exchange. I am pleased to inform the House that the Minister has decided to raise the prospectus exemption threshold to €12 million from the current €8 million. This will reduce the regulatory burden for smaller issuers and increase their access to capital in order to invest for long-term growth. The Deputy is right that the value of money on retail deposit offers major potential.”
“I will outline one EU-level capital markets initiative that officials in the Department of Finance are working on. That is the Listings Act. It is a package of measures agreed late last year and currently being transposed by the Department of Finance and the Department of enterprise. It supports improved access to market-based sources of financing for EU companies, particularly smaller firms such as those listed on SME growth markets. Key elements of the Listings Act include the introduction of simpler prospectus rules and requirements, more proportionate market abuse rules and provisions to allow companies use multiple-vote share structures, thereby allowing company founders to retain control while accessing funding on public markets.”
“The Department of Finance is engaged in giving effect to that commitment and has actively engaged with Euronext Dublin, formerly the Irish Stock Exchange, as part of that work. I met with the CEO and some members of his management team recently. It is very much part of the programme of work in the Department of Finance at the moment.”
“When introducing budget 2025, the then Minister for Finance, Deputy Chambers, announced he had decided to examine further potential measures. He stated: To further support Irish businesses to grow and scale, in the coming year my Department will, subject to state aid considerations, introduce a stamp duty exemption. This measure would enable Irish SMEs to access equity via financial trading platforms designed to support their funding needs. This position is reflected in the 2025 Programme for Government: Securing Ireland’s Future, which states that the Government will, “Explore opportunities to enhance the Irish Stock Exchange as a vital source of equity and growth for indigenous businesses”.”
“The savings and investments union strategy will build on the progress made by the CMU action plan. Ireland is a strong supporter of this initiative and is actively involved in its development, including measures specifically designed to promote companies seeking to access funding through initial public offerings. At national level, it is the Government’s strongly held view that Ireland’s capital markets are essential to the growth of homegrown businesses, especially those aiming to expand internationally. This was most recently evidenced by the introduction of a corporation tax relief for listing expenses announced as part of budget 2025 and which is now in place with an overall expenses limit of €1 million per listing.”
“The European Commission has launched the savings and investments union strategy, which includes measures to advance the capital markets union, CMU, project and which has support from ministers, Heads of State and Governments. The strategy identifies key measures to help companies access public equity markets, such as the establishment of EU markets infrastructure, reforms to listings rules and measures designed to increase retail investor participation in capital markets and to promote SME investment research. These measures build on those contained within the CMU action plan of 2020, which included a number of legislative files, including the Listings Act, the European Single Access Point and the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive, MiFID, II review, which are currently being transposed.”
“I thank Deputy Timmins for providing me with the opportunity to speak on this matter. Ireland’s equity markets are diverse, encompassing public and private participants and a wider ecosystem that includes a large number of professional services firms. It is clear that public equity markets in Europe, including Ireland, have faced significant challenges over the past decade for a variety of overlapping reasons, including competition from private equity and from more liquid US capital markets. The increasing importance of large stock market indices linked to the rise in passive investment strategies has also been a pull factor in listings activity gravitating towards the largest stock exchanges. As such, EU solutions will need to be found to address the common challenges faced by EU exchanges.”
“By progressing this legislation, we are not only fulfilling a programme for Government commitment but also honouring the experiences of those who have overcome enormous personal challenge. Let us move forward together with purpose and compassion and hopefully bring this Bill to completion before the end of the year.”
“We will also continue to engage with stakeholders, including patient groups and industry representatives, to ensure the Bill strikes the right balance, delivering real protections for survivors while maintaining the integrity of the insurance framework. Subject to the outcome of Committee and Report Stages, it remains the Government's intention to enact this legislation as quickly as possible. Ultimately, this Bill is a statement of the kind of society we want to be - one that does not define people by their illness, which recognises recovery, resilience and the right to rebuild one's life and which does not let bureaucratic or financial barriers stand in the way of something as fundamental as securing a home.”
“As I said in my opening contribution, we have looked at international best practice and we did not just pluck figures from the sky. There is reason and rationale for the timeframes we have proposed but we are open to suggestions that may come forward on Committee Stage and we will give them due consideration. Following the conclusion of Second Stage today, the Bill will proceed to Committee Stage. This will be a critical phase in which the amendments signalled in my opening remarks and raised in today's debate will be formally tabled and debated. The Department of Finance, working closely with the Attorney General's office, is finalising the drafting of these amendments to ensure they are legally robust, aligned with the EU Solvency II rules and operationally sound for insurers and regulators alike.”
“We will clarify definitions, remission periods and coverage thresholds, all of which are essential to making this law effective in practice and fair in application. It is unfair to say, however, that we are not going far enough in some instances because many countries have not introduced this measure. Even those that have introduced it in recent years, such as Italy, the period to be in remission is ten years. In Portugal, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, the period is also set at ten years. The only two countries that have introduced this with a shorter period than we have provided are France and Belgium. France introduced this initially with a period of ten years before graduating the period down to eight years and then five years.”
“I reiterate the Government will bring forward amendments on Committee Stage to strengthen enforcement by designating the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman as the appropriate body to handle complaints. This will ensure cancer survivors have a clear and trusted avenue for redress, though we hope they will never have to go down that route. Deputy Collins gave an example of a cancer survivor who, thanks to the Deputy's advocacy in this House, had a matter resolved on the floor of the Dáil. Had it not been resolved here, I reiterate that where any health insurance company fails to offer compensation or payout based on the terms and conditions of the policy, it is open to the policyholder to refer a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman.”
“These are fair questions and I assure Members they will be taken seriously as we move to Committee Stage. I stress that our approach from the outset has been guided by a careful, evidence-based and legally sound pathway. We have deliberately chosen to start with mortgage protection insurance because it is where the problem is most acute and the benefits of reform will be felt most directly. The risk, if we broaden the scope too far too quickly, is that we may end up unintentionally driving up premiums for everybody else. We have to take a step-by-step approach, which allows us to deliver the protections now without compromising legal certainty or operational viability. We heard concerns about enforcement.”
“We are not legislating in the abstract here; we are responding to very real barriers faced by our fellow citizens. I thank Deputy Ardagh, who has a long-standing commitment to this issue and has brought us to where we are today. Her work in raising this, both in the Seanad in the previous term and in the Dáil, in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society and its CEO, the former Senator Averil Power, laid the foundation for what is very much a priority of mine now. This is also a priority Bill for the Government. It is right that Deputy Ardagh's determination is reflected in the progress made today. Several important points were raised during this debate. Some Members asked whether we were going far enough, while others questioned whether we should move faster or broaden the scope of the protections.”
“It is fair to say there has been a clear and shared recognition that cancer survivors deserve better and their past illnesses should not be a barrier to home ownership. Some of the contributions strayed much wider and further than what the Bill intends to do. All I can say to those who made suggestions relevant to other Departments - this is a Department of Finance Bill - is we will pass on their suggestions to the relevant Minister or Minister of State in the Department of Health. I appreciate that any Deputy will take the opportunity to raise points relevant to supporting people undergoing treatment for cancer. I take those points in the spirit in which they were given and will certainly refer them to the relevant Minister to see what can be done.”
“I thank all Members who contributed to this important debate on the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025. It is fair to say the tone of the discussion, by and large, has been thoughtful, constructive and, above all, compassionate, reflecting the seriousness and humanity of the issue at stake. This Bill is not just about insurance regulation but fairness, restoring dignity and ensuring those who have survived cancer are treated with justice, not judgment. I acknowledge the contributions from across the political spectrum. As previous speakers have said, we are coming to the end of the Dáil term. Usually, on Thursday evenings, it is harder to get contributors to debates regardless of how serious or important the matter is. I thank those who have given up their time this evening.”
“I ask all Members of the House to support the Bill on Committee Stage, to work constructively with us to improve it, and to demonstrate that we stand together for cancer survivors and for fairness in financial services. I look forward to listening to the contributions today and to a productive and informed debate.”
“These amendments will be subject to legal scrutiny to ensure compliance with all relevant domestic and EU laws. I assure all Members that, while we are on Second Stage, the substantive and critical amendments to make the Bill workable and effective will be brought forward on Committee Stage. This is where detailed scrutiny and improvements will occur. I wish to clearly emphasise that this Bill reflects our society's values of fairness, resilience and support for those who have survived cancer. It is the product of careful work, broad consultation and a commitment to getting it right for the long term. We are now at a crucial stage that will define how these protections are delivered in practice. The amendments in the areas I have signalled will ensure the Bill is fit for purpose and delivers on our promise.”
“Each of these amendments will be carefully considered to ensure the Bill is not only meaningful, but also operationally viable, legally sound and capable of delivering real protections to cancer survivors. This Bill is priority legislation for Government, reflecting our commitment under the programme for Government and our responsibility to those affected. The Government is firmly committed to ensuring that this legislation is progressed in a timely manner. With the co-operation of both this House and the Seanad, it is my intention that the Bill will be enacted before the end of the year. Following Second Stage, which I hope the Bill will pass today, my officials will engage closely with the Attorney General's office on the precise drafting of the amendments in the areas I have outlined.”
“It is my intention that these amendments will: focus the scope of the Bill on mortgage protection insurance exclusively to focus protections where they are most needed; align it with the principles of the voluntary code; specify definitions as to what constitutes a cancer survivor for the purposes of this legislation, reflecting clinical and actuarial evidence on remission periods; set clear parameters around the remission period and sum assured thresholds, balancing protections and the management of prudential risk; designate the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman's office as the complaints and dispute resolution authority to provide an accessible and effective enforcement mechanism, thereby clarifying the powers and responsibilities of the Central Bank of Ireland; and ensure compliance with EU monetary and financial rules and other relevant legal frameworks to avoid unintended conflicts or risks.”
“I will bring forward a number of amendments on Committee Stage following detailed consideration by Department of Finance officials, engagement with the Attorney General's office and key stakeholders, and the approval of Government.”
“Expanding the scope prematurely without the detailed actuarial and legal groundwork we have done here could introduce unintended consequences such as legal uncertainty, which would delay protection for cancer survivors, or indirectly impact other insurance products and premiums. It was prudent of the Government to ensure these were avoided. The amendments we are proposing on Committee Stage will clarify this focus, aligning the Bill's scope precisely with the existing voluntary code and European best practice. This targeted scope will ensure effective protection for cancer survivors where it matters most, avoid unintended impacts on other insurance products and sectors, and provide a clear and manageable framework for enforcement and complaints resolution.”
“Above all, the tireless advocacy work of the Irish Cancer Society has been instrumental in giving survivors a voice. Some may question why the Bill focuses solely on cancer survivors and mortgage protection insurance and does not cover other financial products or medical conditions. The answer is one of prioritisation and pragmatism. In legislation and policy, it is vital to take a stepwise approach similar to other EU member states, focusing first on where the need is greatest and where there is the clearest evidence base. Mortgage protection insurance is a critical financial product tied directly to one of the most fundamental aspects of life, that is, securing a home. It is the area where discrimination against cancer survivors has been most pronounced and where protections are most urgently needed.”
“Having completed it, the Government is now in a position to propose Committee Stage amendments to the legislation as initiated to refine the Bill and ensure that it is legally robust, in compliance with EU law and Solvency II regulatory standards, operationally practical for insurers and regulators, and fair and effective for cancer survivors seeking mortgage protection insurance. While I understand the frustration behind calls to act sooner, I assure the House that this careful and evidence-based approach ensures the best long-term outcome for cancer survivors and the stability of the market. The involvement of a number of organisations has been crucial and that too deserves recognition. It is important to highlight that the industry came to the table and that this legislation reflects progress rather than punishment.”
“Forvis Mazars conducted an independent review of the code in May 2025 on behalf of Insurance Ireland. The review confirmed that the code broadly works as intended but it also identified limitations. Its voluntary nature means that not all insurers are bound by it. The €500,000 cap and seven-year remission period exclude some survivors, particularly those with larger mortgage needs or longer treatment histories. Alongside this, the Department of Finance reviewed similar frameworks across the EU, looking at countries like France, Belgium and Luxembourg where laws on the right to be forgotten are already in place. We have learned a great deal from these countries' experiences. All of this groundwork was essential.”
“The Government was instrumental in moving the sector to act with the introduction of Insurance Ireland's voluntary code of practice on mortgage protection for cancer survivors in December 2023. This was a crucial first step. Key elements of the code included a commitment from participating insurers not to consider a cancer diagnosis where the applicant had completed treatment more than seven years ago, or five years ago for individuals diagnosed when under the age of 18, and a cap of €500,000 on the sum assured for those covered under the code. The Government's initial approach was to consider and observe how this voluntary code functioned in practice before seeking to enshrine similar provisions in law. We wanted to avoid rushing into legislation that could be impractical, leave unintended gaps or have legal consequences.”
“The Bill reflects a broader societal commitment to support cancer survivors, ensuring that recovery from cancer is not a barrier to accessing mortgage protection. It gives statutory weight to protections that were previously voluntary, making them enforceable by law. This is a crucial step forward. At the heart of the Bill is the straightforward but powerful principle that, where survivors have completed treatment and remained in remission for a defined period, a past cancer diagnosis should not be held against them in the underwriting of mortgage protection insurance. This is a vital safeguard that allows survivors to rebuild their lives without fear of discrimination or financial exclusion. Some Deputies might rightly ask why we are doing this now when it has been spoken about for years.”
“It is legislation I was determined to progress in the first six months of my brief. Therefore, to ensure efficient progression of the Bill through the Houses, the Government has taken the right decision to progress the Bill in Government time, subject to amendments that will be worked on over the summer. Why does the Bill matter? This Bill is about fairness, dignity and recognising the resilience of individuals who have overcome one of life's greatest challenges. Their past struggles should not define their future opportunities. I firmly believe that we should be guided by these struggles to make something better if we have the ability to do so. Cancer touches a great many of us in Ireland, including myself and my family. I lost two siblings to cancer and I see it as a great privilege to be in a position to effect positive change today.”
“For too long, though, cancer survivors in Ireland have faced a challenging and unfair situation whereby they can be refused cover or charged higher premiums because of their past diagnoses. The Bill aims to put a stop to this by giving effect to the right to be forgotten concept that is now becoming recognised throughout Europe. I take this opportunity to thank Deputy Ardagh for her unwavering dedication and hard work in bringing this critical issue to the forefront of our national agenda. Her determined efforts, including introducing the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill and previously championing it in the Seanad, are to be noted in the House. While this is a programme for Government commitment, I wanted to prioritise it on taking office in the Department of Finance at the end of January.”
“I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time." I am pleased to bring the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2025 before the House. The Bill was initiated as a Private Members' Bill by Deputy Catherine Ardagh in February and, with her agreement, the Government has decided to use Government speaking time to prioritise its introduction before the recess and make the relevant amendments on Committee Stage. The legislation not reflects only a programme for Government commitment but is the right thing to do. We are ensuring those who have survived cancer can access mortgage protection insurance without discrimination based on their past diagnosis. The journey cancer survivors face is arduous and filled with uncertainty. However, when in remission their hopes are to rebuild, continue onwards and upwards, and plan with their families.”