Harris defends potentially borrowing money for wealth funds 

Government debt expected to hit about €250bn by the end of the decade

Finance minister Simon Harris. 

Finance minister Simon Harris has defended the potential need to borrow money to invest into the Government’s two wealth funds over the coming years, saying investing in “future competitiveness and demographic needs” is a “very good use of borrowing”.

Mr Harris’ comments come as the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) published its 2025 annual report and its 2026 mid-year report. As of the end of 2025, general Government debt fell to €210bn — €25bn lower than the pre-pandemic high.