Daffodil Day announcement will see mortgage insurance waiting period cut to five years, offering hope to survivors across Ireland.
A Kildare cancer survivor has welcomed what’s being described as a major step forward in plans to introduce “Right to be Forgotten” legislation in Ireland.
The announcement, made to coincide with Daffodil Day 2026, will see the waiting period for cancer survivors to access mortgage protection insurance reduced from seven years to five.
The change has been strongly welcomed by the Irish Cancer Society, which has been campaigning on the issue since 2021.
For people like Kildare woman Lydia Whelan, the move could have a life-changing impact.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after going sale agreed on a home with her partner, meaning her name could not be included on the property due to insurance barriers.
“Everything came to a standstill once my diagnosis was confirmed,” she said. “We were able to complete the purchase, but my name is not on the house.”
Under previous proposals, Lydia would have had to wait seven years after treatment before being eligible for mortgage protection insurance. The revised five-year period, she said, will help people move on sooner from the trauma of a cancer diagnosis.
The update was confirmed by Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris and Minister of State Robert Troy, who also announced an increase in the insurance threshold from €500,000 to €650,000.
The “Right to be Forgotten” legislation aims to stop financial institutions from requiring cancer survivors to disclose their medical history after a set period of recovery — an issue advocates say has long created barriers to accessing mortgages and other financial services.
The Irish Cancer Society says the reform will benefit hundreds of families each year and bring Ireland in line with best practice across Europe.
The proposed legislation is expected to go before Cabinet in the coming weeks before progressing through the Oireachtas.
Meanwhile, Daffodil Day events are taking place nationwide today, with funds raised supporting cancer services, research and advocacy for patients and survivors.
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