Dear XXXX
The Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Mr Simon Harris TD, has asked me to respond to your correspondence of 21 March 2026, relating to deemed disposal.
The Tánaiste has emphasised that encouraging retail investment is a key priority.
Budget 2026 included a reduction in the taxation rate that applies to Irish and equivalent offshore funds, and Irish and certain foreign life assurance products, from 41% to 38%, which applies to investments in ETFs that are taxed under these regimes.
However, the Tánaiste is very conscious that there is more to be done to support increased involvement in the capital markets. To that end a new approach to simplify and adapt the current taxation framework for retail investment while retaining necessary and important anti-avoidance protections in a proportionate manner will be published soon.
A key aspect of the new approach will be the introduction of a Personal Investment Account, aligned with the European Commission’s recommendation to develop accessible, consumer-friendly savings and investment accounts across Member States. At the recent Savings and Investment Forum, the Tánaiste announced his intention to introduce the legislative framework for the Personal Investment Account in 2026.
(In addition, the work underway also includes consideration of the Funds Sector 2030 Review, including the issue of deemed disposal. )
The Tánaiste highlighted the Government’s view that the account should be simple, accessible, tax efficient, easy to administer, transparent on fees and portable across borders where possible.
The Government will take account of expert views as the model is designed to ensure that it best fits the Irish economy and the needs of Irish households. The Tánaiste hopes further progress can be made to address some of the existing obstacles to greater retail investment.
I wish to thank you on behalf of the Tánaiste for sharing your perspective on taxation of investments.
Yours sincerely,
Private Secretary to the Minister for Finance