Almost all people with CF are currently automatically denied mortgage protection by mortgage providers in Ireland. 

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland believes this to be unfair and potentially discriminatory and does not take into account the improved life expectancy of many people with Cystic Fibrosis. We are concerned that automatic mortgage protection denial is based on outdated assumptions of the early death of everyone with Cystic Fibrosis. This is no longer the case, though Cystic Fibrosis remains a serious disease.

We believe it is time for a fairer, more nuanced approach by mortgage providers, where each individual applicant is assessed separately and not automatically denied because of an outmoded ‘tick-box’.

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland call for a code of practice for mortgage providers for people with Cystic Fibrosis that recognises improved life expectancy and where everyone is fairly assessed and no longer automatically [turned down] refused mortgage protection, as occurs at present. We also urge local authorities to do more to provide access to house ownership by people with Cystic Fibrosis through revision of the criteria of their schemes.

The Issue 

Mortgage protection is a form of insurance which pays off the outstanding balance on your mortgage should you die before the mortgage is fully repaid. It is a prerequisite to buying a home. 

You need mortgage protection policy because:

•          It is compulsory for most mortgage holders in Ireland

•          Mortgage lenders require it to draw down your mortgage

•          It assures your lender that your mortgage will be repaid if you die prematurely

Evidence from the CF Registry of Ireland and Cystic Fibrosis Ireland shows that [People with] many people with Cystic Fibrosis are predicted to live significantly longer than was previously assumed. Adults with CF ae also increasingly likely to be in full time or part-time jobs. 

We note that before Brexit a UK company provided non-mortgage protection life insurance for some people with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. This option is no longer available.

ENDS