High net wealth figure up 18%

THE number of high net worth individuals in Ireland rose by 18% last year to 39,000.

These are people who have investable assets of more than $1m (€620,000), excluding their main residence.

By the end of 2006, the number stood at 33,000 against 39,000 at the end of last year, according to the figures provided by consultancy firm, the Scorpio Partnership.