Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 5

Written Answers - Life Insurance.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

99 Ms Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans she has to prohibit insurance companies from requesting genetic test results from clients seeking life insurance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13151/01]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Treacy)

The area of genetic testing is one in which developments are taking place at a very rapid pace. I am aware that many people have concerns about the issue of genetic test results and how they might impact on the availability to them of life insurance cover in general.

I am therefore glad to be able to report on a positive development in this area. The Irish Insurance Federation recently produced a code of practice for its members. The issuing of the code followed consultation by the IIF with interested parties including the Irish Council for Science, Technology and Innovation as well as officials from the insurance division of my Department.

The code includes the following provisions: insurance companies will not require those proposing for life assurance to undertake genetic tests; and there will be a moratorium on the requesting by insurance companies of the results of genetic tests, except in certain cases such as general life assurance cover of over £300,000 and critical illness and permanent health cover.

The code is a practical attempt by the industry to introduce a large measure of control in an area that is relatively new to everyone.

The £300,000 limit on life assurance cover below which test results will not be requested is particularly welcome. The limit can be used for life cover in connection with a mortgage or otherwise, or a mixture of both, and should ensure that most people seeking life cover, including cover for mortgage protection, need not disclose any results of genetic tests.

I recognise that this is in area that requires careful monitoring. My Department will pay close attention to the practical operation of the code. In addition, my Department is continuing consultations concerning wider public health issues linked to use of genetic tests by insurers and the advisability or otherwise of legislative controls.