The Pat Kenny Show The new government saving scheme: What can people expect?
Apr 5, 2026
Kathleen Gallagher, Markets correspondent at the Business Post with expertise in finance and investment, breaks down the new government savings scheme. She explains why the state wants to push investing over deposits. She covers Irish mistrust of markets, tax-wrapper ideas inspired by Sweden and the UK, how providers and fees might work, and the likely 2027 timeline.
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Ireland's Big Cash Hoard And The Investment Nudge
- Ireland holds a large portion of personal wealth in cash deposits rather than investments.
- Kathleen Gallagher explains the scheme aims to nudge savers into diversified stocks, bonds and other retail investments with education and a tax wrapper.
Not Just Domestic Investing It's A European Play
- The scheme is part of a wider European push and serves a reputational role for Ireland.
- Gallagher says investments won't be forced into Irish assets; retail investors can buy global indices like the S&P 500.
Prefer The Tax Wrapper To Avoid Deemed Disposal
- Use the tax wrapper because it removes many current tax frictions like capital gains and deemed disposal charges.
- Gallagher notes a tax-free threshold (modeled on Sweden/UK) around mid-€20k, then an annual tax on excess.