Ireland has appointed its first-ever financial literacy ambassadors, Gráinne Griffin and Denis Carrigan, to help citizens of all ages take control of their money. Tánaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris announced the selections, which aim to support a national strategy that includes a new retail investment account rolling out next year.
Ambassadors Appointed to Support National Financial Literacy Strategy
Gráinne Griffin and Denis Carrigan will communicate key messages around financial literacy to empower Irish citizens, according to an announcement made by Tánaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris. The ambassadors are set to play a key role in supporting the National Financial Literacy Strategy, which was published in June by the Department of Finance. Junior Minister for Finance Robert Troy and Junior Minister for Further and Higher Education Marian Harkin also welcomed the appointments.
The strategy prioritizes financial education on retail investment, focusing particularly on a new investment account scheduled to roll out next year. Harris stated that building financial literacy and confidence is critical as the government prepares to introduce this new account. According to the Tánaiste, officials want the public to feel empowered to save and invest while accessing trusted information to make the right personal choices.
Backgrounds of the Newly Appointed Ambassadors
Gráinne Griffin serves as the director of Financial Education at the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), a new division established in July 2026. She has worked at the CCPC since 2020. Denis Carrigan works as an economic and home economics teacher at St Laserian’s Special School in Carlow and serves as president of the Association of Teachers of Home Economics. Harris noted that Carrigan has been involved in promoting financial literacy for children and young people through dedicated initiatives.
Marian Harkin noted that the appointments will benefit students preparing for independent living, employment, and future careers. Harkin emphasized that understanding how to manage money, budget, save, and make informed financial decisions is more important than ever. The roles carry no remuneration, aside from travel expenses and role-related costs.
EU Representation and Future Outreach Plans
Beyond domestic duties, the ambassadors will represent Ireland as part of an EU network of financial literacy ambassadors. The European Commission requested that member states appoint between one and three ambassadors under the wider EU financial literacy strategy. Locally, Griffin and Carrigan will work closely with the Department of Finance to promote tools, knowledge, and supports designed to improve financial literacy.
The appointees may also encourage a broader conversation regarding financial wellbeing across society as the government rolls out its upcoming initiatives.
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