Irish Funds Contributes to Oireachtas Committee Discussions on Ireland’s EU Presidency Planning
Thursday, 21 May 2026
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Yesterday afternoon, Irish Funds contributed to discussions at the Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs on Ireland’s EU Presidency planning, with Irish Funds CEO, Pat Lardner, and Council Member Adrian Whelan addressing the Committee on behalf of the industry.
A key message from the discussion was that Ireland should prioritise the EU’s Savings and Investments Union agenda to deepen European capital markets, reduce fragmentation and support long-term investment and growth across Europe.
Ireland’s funds and asset management industry already plays a significant role in financing the European economy, with an estimated €1.4 trillion from Irish-domiciled funds invested back into EU member states.
As a global centre for funds and asset management, Ireland is well positioned to help shape the next phase of EU financial integration and contribute meaningfully to the European policy agenda.
Irish Funds highlighted the importance of:
contributing meaningfully to the EU policy agenda
sharpening Ireland’s export competitiveness
encouraging greater participation in financial markets by Irish citizens
Key priorities identified for Ireland’s Presidency include:
deeper and more integrated capital markets
supporting long-term retirement savings
revitalising Europe’s securitisation market
simpler and clearer sustainable investing rules
Irish Funds emphasised that Ireland’s funds and asset management industry does not simply operate in Europe, but helps Europe’s capital markets function by connecting savings with productive investment.
Thank you to the Committee members for the constructive engagement and discussion.
The discussion also reflected the increasing recognition of the important role Ireland and the wider funds industry can play in driving investment, strengthening competitiveness and supporting economic growth across Europe, highlighted in recent coverage by the Business Post.