The Government is drawing up a strategy to help people get a greater return on their savings, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris has said.
Speaking to RTÉ's This Week, Mr Harris said that he wants the "squeezed middle" to make money on their funds, which are currently on deposit.
He indicated this could see people being able to get a return on a certain amount of their savings without having to pay tax.
Mr Harris said there is an entire group of people locked out of investing and he conceded there is always a risk with investments.
The Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) said the move would also help to "channel more Irish capital into productive investment".
BPFI said the EU-level debate on competitiveness and the future of the Savings & Investment Union (SIU), "highlights the growing need" for the Irish Government to introduce a domestic SIA.
The group, which represents the banking, payments and fintech sector, said there "low levels of participation" in EU capital markets by Irish consumers.
Govt looking at planning exemptions for short-term letting properties
The Tánaiste also confirmed that the Government is looking at a planning exemption for short-term letting properties, if they have been on the rental market for seven years.
Mr Harris said planners cannot go around checking every property and it is about "striking the right balance".
He rejected criticism that the proposals are being "hollowed out".
Short-term letting refers to the letting of accommodation for up to 21 nights at a time.
Increase amount of defence equipment
The Tánaiste also said that Ireland will take every opportunity to acquire more defence equipment.
He believes that the country should look at borrowing money under the EU's Security Action for Europe fund which has a budget of €150 billion to boost defence capabilities.
Mr Harris said it was not possible to "convince ourselves" that Ireland is immune from security threats.
