Irish Minister for Finance Simon Harris said he wanted to deliver the project over two budgets. Photograph: Olivier Hoslet/ EPAProposals for a savings and investment strategy are due to be brought to Government by Easter, according to Tánaiste Simon Harris. The Fine Gael leader has floated the idea of mechanisms designed to encourage some €170 billion in household deposits into financial markets. Harris, who is Minister for Finance, told the meeting that he wanted to deliver the project over two budgets, with officials now tasked to examine how other countries such as Sweden and Canada have brought in such a model. Under that scheme, participants received a 25 per cent government top-up on their investment.

Source: The Irish Times February 19, 2026 10:01 UTC