Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:364. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will consider introducing a pilot digital euro project in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71568/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 16 December 2025
Ceisteanna (364)
Freagraí scríofa
The design and operation of a digital euro pilot programme is a matter for the European Central Bank (ECB) and the national central banks of the Eurosystem and therefore does not fall within the remit of my Ministry. My Department is, however, actively engaging in the ongoing negotiations in the European Council on the proposed regulation that will provide the framework for any such pilot.
My officials will continue to work closely with the Central Bank of Ireland and support its efforts, as appropriate, as this initiative develops.
The Central Bank of Ireland has informed me that the Governing Council of the European Central Bank decided to move to the next phase of the digital euro project in October 2025. This decision follows the successful completion of the preparation phase, launched by the Eurosystem in November 2023, and preceded by its investigation phase which laid the foundations for issuing a digital euro.
The ECB Governing Council will only make such a decision to launch once the legislative process has concluded with the European Parliament and Council formally adopting the regulation. Ireland, similar to other euro area countries, can expect to see an increased public information campaign in advance of this launch.
More recently the Eurosystem confirmed their plans to prepare for the potential issuance of the digital euro by 2029 (assuming the European co-legislators adopt the necessary regulation in 2026). These preparatory steps include plans for pilot exercises and initial transactions which could begin as early as mid-2027. The Central Bank of Ireland, as a member of the Eurosystem, is contributing to this preparatory work.