Focus needed to tackle decline of listings on Irish Stock Exchange – Neville

The decline of companies listed on the Irish stock exchange must be addressed to ensure greater access to investment opportunities in Ireland, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Joe Neville raised the critical need to revitalise the Irish stock exchange and harness its potential for both Irish companies and investors.

Deputy Neville said: “There has been a sharp reduction in the number of companies on the Irish stock exchange, from 100 in 1999, to 24 in 2025. This decline is in stark contrast to the growth in wealth of the Irish economy.

“While Irish people are saving in the bank at a higher rate than we have done before, we must guarantee other opportunities are in place for people to invest.

“We need to ensure that personal tax efficient savings and investment schemes are put in place and that Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are taxed fairly so that Irish people can avail of opportunities which would connect Irish savings with Irish and international businesses.

“The decision by Minister Paschal Donohoe, in Budget ‘26 to reduce the rate of taxation that applies where an individual invests in Irish funds and life assurance policies from 41% to 38% is welcome.

“Rejuvenating our stock exchange is critical to give our indigenous businesses greater access to research and development, more credibility, and more visibility to attract new customers.

“The expansion of the Stamp Duty exemption in the Budget to include all Irish registered companies, whose market capitalisations are below a threshold of €1 billion, and whose shares are admitted for trading on a regulated market, will enable Irish SMEs to further access equity via financial trading platforms designed to support their funding needs.

“We have seen similar policies of a 0% rate, under certain conditions, in existence in France and Spain already and Ireland has been at a competitive disadvantage to these countries. The playing field has now been levelled for our SMEs and start-ups.

“We must ensure that our economic growth is inclusive and future focused to give the Irish people a stake in Irish success. Future budgets must continue to make progress to support retail investment and deliver better returns for household savings,” Deputy Neville concluded.