Sir, – It is ironic that with so many large fund management companies operating out of Ireland that Irish savers’ opportunity for investment is severely restricted due to discriminatory tax legislation in particular with regard to Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). These funds provide the average saver the opportunity to spread their investment risk over a broad basket of equities and bonds. Any increased activity by savers in investing products if they became more accessible would also generate additional tax revenue. The 2026 pre-budget submission from Insurance Ireland last year called for equalising the taxation of financial products with similar objectives, effectively aligning the tax treatment of life assurance exit tax, capital gains tax and deposit interest retention tax (Dirt) (“Time for the Government to deliver a better deal for Irish savers,” Opinion, March 2nd). I’d be concerned that we will end up in a similar position once the State comes up with so-called investment initiatives.

Source: The Irish Times March 04, 2026 19:44 UTC