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Simon Harris: New Investment Accounts to Boost Resilience

Simon Harris: New Investment Accounts to Boost Resilience

Simon Harris sets out proposed new investment accounts for Irish tax residents, explaining eligibility, tax treatment, contribution rules and the timing for full details. He says the policy aims to build household economic resilience and create a culture of investment, with key parameters revealed on Budget Day, 6 October.

Eligibility and access


Simon Harris explains the account will be available to any Irish tax resident over 18, with one account permissioned per person. The proposal is designed to be broadly accessible while keeping administration straightforward.

Tax treatment and contributions


The plan includes a tax-free threshold and a low flat annual tax rate on amounts above that threshold. There will be no minimum annual contribution, though a maximum annual contribution will apply; the exact threshold, rate and limit will be announced on Budget Day.

Timing and next steps


All concrete figures for the tax-free allowance, flat rate and contribution cap will be unveiled on 6 October as part of Budget Day. Until then, the announcement signals the government is preparing measures to encourage personal investment.

Simon Harris — still from speech: Simon Harris: New Investment Accounts to Boost Resilience (30.08.2026)

Why it matters


Simon Harris frames the accounts as a way to translate national economic strength into greater household financial resilience. The account aims to make it easier for people to build savings and investments without restrictive lock-in, supporting long-term financial security.

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Transcript
Hey there, as you know, I want to introduce new investment accounts for Irish citizens to make a real difference in building up your own economic resilience. And today I want to provide you with a bit more information on what I'm thinking. Firstly, the new account will be available to any Irish tax resident individual over the age of 18 and one account will be permissioned per person. Two, the account will have a tax-free threshold with a low flat rate tax applying annually to anything above that threshold. Three, there will be no minimum annual contribution but there will be a maximum annual contribution. Four, the tax-free threshold, the flat rate and the annual contribution limit will be unveiled on the 6th of October on Budget Day. And fifthly, there will be no minimum lock-in period for anything you put in the account. So there's just a few quick updates. I really believe this account can help create a culture of investment in our country and make your hard-earned money go further for you and build up your economic resilience. We don't want to just have a strong economy at a national level. We've got to translate that into individual households over time.