Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

206. To ask the Minister for Finance to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to progress and publish an implementation plan taking into consideration the Funds Review recommendations to unlock retail investment and opportunities to grow this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49572/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As you are aware, in October 2024, following approval by Government my predecessor published the ‘Funds Sector 2030: A Framework for Open, Resilient & Developing Markets’. This was an important and wide-ranging review of the funds and asset management sector in Ireland. The Report sets out recommendations across a wide range of areas to support growth in the funds and asset management sector.

The Programme for Government has committed to progress and publish an implementation plan for consideration in Budget 2026 taking into consideration the Funds Review recommendations to unlock retail investment and opportunities to grow this sector in Ireland. Detailed consideration is therefore being given to the best way to support a greater level of retail investment in capital markets. It is likely given the breadth of the Funds Sector 2030 review that the delivery of associated tax measures may take place over multiple Finance Bill cycles.

This work will also take account of developments at an EU level in respect of the Savings and Investments Union. In particular, we look forward to the Commission's recommendations on savings and investment accounts, which are expected in the coming weeks.

It is worth noting that some key recommendations of the Funds Review are already being delivered. The Central Bank has delivered the recommendations relating to Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) regulation and transparency. They have also published a consultation on changes to the Alternative Investment Fund Rulebook (AIF Rulebook) to facilitate private asset fund growth.