Ireland has introduced a new state-backed savings account that will allow tax-free investment returns up to a set limit when it launches early next year. Returns above that threshold will face a lower flat tax rate, with the exact limit and rate due to be announced in the October 6 budget. The account will permit investments in listed stocks, listed bonds and ETFs, while excluding crypto assets and derivatives. The government also said the accounts will not be subject to the current 38% deemed disposal tax on investment fund products and signaled it may revise the broader deemed disposal regime to reduce tax barriers for resident investors. The measure forms part of a wider EU effort to encourage households to move part of the roughly 11 trillion euros held in bank deposits into investments, with the goal of supporting economic growth and increasing household wealth.