Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
Dail Éireann — 2026-02-26
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Simon Harris (FG), Wicklow

In the two budgets that I intend to deliver as the Minister for Finance, I am absolutely determined that we do something in relation to retail investment. Irish people are among the best savers in the European Union, but we have one of the lowest rates of participation in investments. The reality is that good, hard-working and decent people right across the country are trying to do the right thing and put aside a few bob - even very small amounts because times are tough -but that money is not earning them anything. We have to fix that. In that context, I am actively considering how we might bring in a savings and investment account in line with the Savings and Investment Union at EU level. I am looking at what has been done in the UK, Sweden, Canada, Japan and a number of other countries. I intend to convene a stakeholder forum on this within the next month or so, with the view to having options in advance of the budget. Deemed disposal is something that definitely deserves consideration. There is an unfairness in relation to it, and it was brought in at a very different time. I am minded to see what progress can be made on it in the time ahead. Specific taxation measures are obviously a matter for budget day.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-02-26/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:42+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-02-26