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.