A Dublin MEP has called on the Government to abolish a rule that means consumers have to pay tax on an investment gain every eight years whether or not they sold up or withdrew any money. Fine Gael’s Regina Doherty said the deemed disposal rule on exchange traded funds (ETFs) was an “unfair stealth tax”. ETFs are investment funds that hold a basket of securities and trade on an exchange, and can be invested like an individual stock. The MEP described deemed disposal “an unfair stealth tax on people who are trying to do the right thing with their savings and start investing”. Investors pay no income tax on the interest, dividends, or gains they earn on up to £20,000 invested in an ISA.

Source: Irish Independent February 13, 2026 20:03 UTC