Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
208. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the measures being taken to unlock the significant amount of capital held on deposit accounts in Ireland to support housing and critical infrastructure delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72880/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the National Development Plan (NDP) Review published in July 2025 set out €275.4 billion in public capital investment to 2035. This represents the largest ever capital investment programme in the history of the State. As part of this, the allocation of NDP funding prioritised investment in the critical growth-enabling sectors of housing, energy, water and transport.
Any intention to use deposits for infrastructure as proposed by the Deputy would mean the borrowing of such funds by the State from depositors. Such borrowing and a rate of interest would ultimately have to be repaid by the State.
The State already borrows from its citizens through State Savings. Such borrowing forms part of the National Debt and repayment of all Ireland State Savings money is a direct, unconditional obligation of the Irish Government. All savings invested in this way are available to the Exchequer to fund Government expenditure, including the delivery of major Irish public infrastructure projects.
